Adjustable chute structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chute structures face issues with instability and reduced service life due to inadequate locking mechanisms, leading to transverse movement and excessive friction, which affects the spacing and stability of chutes.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable chute structure with a movable switch and mating members that engage with limiting members on cross beams, allowing for secure fixation in both transverse and longitudinal directions, reducing friction and enhancing stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the snap fastener is engaged in the up-and-down direction to fix the chute, then the chute can be positioned between cross beams, but the contact surface is too small to prevent transverse movement under significant force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single vertical snap-fit engagement to a multi-dimensional locking system. The movable switch mechanism engages limiting members on the cross beams through both vertical and horizontal dimensions, creating a distributed contact surface that prevents transverse movement while maintaining positioning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is segmented into multiple independent engagement points. Instead of relying on a single snap-fastener contact, the system uses multiple limiting members distributed along the cross beam that engage with the movable switch, distributing the locking force across multiple small contact surfaces to achieve reliable transverse fixation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the snap fastener is engaged in the up-and-down direction to adjust spacing, then the chute can be repositioned, but prolonged friction causes the contact area to decrease and the connection to become loose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable switch that can dynamically transition between engaged and disengaged states with the limiting members. During spacing adjustment, the switch disengages to allow movement; during operation, it engages to prevent movement. This dynamic mechanism eliminates prolonged frictional contact, maintaining both adaptability and service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction-prone continuous contact between the snap fastener and cross beam is extracted and replaced by an intermittent engagement system. The movable switch only contacts the limiting members when needed for locking, separating the positioning function from the friction-causing continuous contact, thereby extending service life while preserving adjustability.
3Device complexity
If a simple snap-fit structure is used to connect the chute to the cross beam, then the device complexity is low, but the chute cannot be completely locked in position and spacing is not fixed
Solution Approach 1:
The movable switch serves multiple functions: it acts as a locking mechanism by engaging limiting members, a positioning device by defining precise engagement points, and a spacer by maintaining consistent distance from the chute body. This multi-functionality achieves reliable position fixation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable switch acts as an intermediary component between the chute and the cross beam's limiting members. It translates the simple snap-fit connection into a reliable locking mechanism by mediating the engagement, providing both positional stability and spacing control without requiring complex direct connection structures.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable chute structure is provided, which includes at least one chute and two cross beams disposed at two ends of the chute. Each end of the chute is connected with a chute plug, which is slidably mounted on the cross beams and is provided with a receiving groove. The receiving groove is provided with a movable switch, and a first mating member and a second mating member coupled with the movable switch. The cross beams are provided with a plurality of first limiting members arranged consecutively in a lengthwise direction, and the chute engages or plug-fits with the first limiting member through the first mating member to be fixed transversely between the cross beams. Each cross beam is provided with a second limiting member, and the chute is interlocked and connected with the second limiting member through the second mating member to be fixed longitudinally to the cross beams.