Adjustable Contact Element Mounting for Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing apparatuses for processing objects, the contact elements are often positioned close to the conveying device, hindering access for maintenance, mounting, or demounting operations, and require recalibration upon reinstallation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates an adjusting element and a fixing element for the contact elements, allowing for adjustable positioning and secure fixation, thereby reducing the hindrance during maintenance and eliminating the need for repeated calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If contact elements are positioned close to the conveying device, then the processing operation can be performed with compact structure, but access for maintenance, mounting or demounting operations is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element is divided into two separate components: a contact portion that interfaces with the supporting element, and a supporting portion that provides structural support. This segmentation allows the contact portion to be positioned close to the conveying device for compact processing, while the supporting portion can be extended or positioned away to facilitate maintenance access.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact element transitions from a two-dimensional planar structure to a three-dimensional structure with extended support portions. This dimensional change allows the contact surface to remain compact while the support structure extends in the vertical or lateral dimension to provide maintenance access space.
2Ease of operation
If contact elements are removed for maintenance operations, then access to the working area is improved, but recalibration is required upon reinstallation
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element is pre-adjusted and pre-calibrated during the manufacturing or initial setup phase. Adjustment means are incorporated into the supporting portion that allow for fine-tuning of the contact portion's position and orientation. This preliminary action ensures that when the contact element is reinstalled after maintenance, the pre-configured adjustment mechanisms enable quick recalibration without requiring time-consuming manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact element incorporates self-adjusting features such as spring-loaded mechanisms, self-centering structures, or automatic alignment systems that enable the contact portion to automatically return to its correct position after removal and reinstallation, eliminating or minimizing the need for manual recalibration.
3Measurement precision
If contact elements require precise adjustment, then the processing operation accuracy is improved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical adjustment methods are replaced with automated adjustment mechanisms such as motorized positioners, pneumatic or hydraulic actuators, or computer-controlled positioning systems. These automated systems provide precise control of the contact element's position and orientation while reducing the complexity of manual adjustment procedures and minimizing installer skill requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact element design incorporates adjustable parameters such as spring pressure, magnetic field strength, or elastic deformation characteristics that allow for precise control of contact force and position. By changing these physical parameters rather than requiring complex mechanical adjustments, the system achieves high precision with simpler adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (1) for performing a processing operation on an object comprising a supporting element (2), which defines a housing (3) configured to house the object, and a processing unit (9) comprising: a processing device, for performing the processing operation on the object placed in the housing (3); a contact element (4), removably mounted on the supporting structure (10) and which defines a contact surface (11) for the supporting element (2) when the processing device performs the processing operation; an adjusting element (22), adjustable relative to a supporting structure (10) along an adjusting line (24) to assume an operating position which determines an operating height of the contact surface (11), and a fixing element (23), which in an operating configuration constrains the contact element (4) to the supporting structure (10) in order to keep the contact surface (11) fixed at the operating height.