Adjustable Roller Support for Non-Round Rotary Workpieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional workpiece support systems for rotary machines are inadequate for non-round shapes, as they rely on fixed-height rollers that cannot effectively support irregularly shaped workpieces, leading to sagging and potential damage during rotation.
Innovation Solution
A height-adjustable support system featuring a first block member secured to a base, lever members with a roller at one end, and a variable pressure member that rotates the levers to adjust the roller's height, allowing it to follow the contours of non-round workpieces and maintain contact to prevent sagging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-height rollers are used to support workpieces, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the system cannot adapt to non-round workpiece shapes, causing sagging and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The support roller is made dynamically adjustable through a lever mechanism connected to a variable pressure member. The lever can rotate to change the roller's height position, transforming a static fixed-height support into a dynamic adjustable support that adapts to different workpiece shapes while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the height parameter of the support roller by rotating the lever member. The variable pressure member adjusts the lever's rotation angle, thereby changing the roller's vertical position to match different workpiece contour requirements
2Reliability
If additional rollers are placed between end rollers to prevent sagging, then support coverage improves, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single adjustable roller serves multiple functions by rotating to different heights. Instead of requiring multiple fixed rollers at different positions, one roller can assume multiple support positions through lever rotation, reducing the total number of components while maintaining support stability
3Adaptability or versatility
If a pivoting roller is moved into and out of position, then the system can accommodate different workpiece lengths, but it remains inadequate for non-round shapes due to fixed roller height
Solution Approach 1:
The roller height is made dynamic through the lever mechanism. As the workpiece is positioned, the variable pressure member automatically adjusts the lever rotation to the appropriate height, providing adaptive support without manual intervention or complex adjustment procedures
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively minimizes sagging and prevents damage by allowing the roller to adjust its height to match the workpiece's shape, providing consistent support and reducing the risk of scratches during rotation, while also being quicker and more compact than conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
at least one lever member having a proximal end rotatably coupled to the first block member, a roller member mounted to a distal end of the at least one lever member
Data Source
AI summary
A support system to support a workpiece in a rotary machine, the system including a first block member configured to be selectively secured to a system base, at least one lever member having a proximal end rotatably coupled to the first block member, a roller member mounted to a distal end of the at least one lever member, and a variable pressure member coupled to the at least one lever member and configured to rotate the at least one lever member such that the roller member is moved to a desired height.