Adjustable Support Cart for Industrial Machine Screw Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The removal and cleaning of industrial machining components, such as machine screws, are time-consuming and ergonomically challenging due to their size, weight, and heat, requiring significant manual labor and time for changeovers in industrial machines like extruders and injection molding machines.
Innovation Solution
A portable and adjustable support cart with a frame, caster assembly, and trolleys that allows for stationary positioning to support screws during removal and cleaning, featuring adjustable height trolleys and a brush support assembly to facilitate easier handling and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual removal of the screw is performed, then the screw can be removed from the barrel, but the process is time-consuming and requires significant manual labor
Solution Approach 1:
The support cart serves as an intermediary device between the operator and the heavy screw component. It provides a mechanical advantage system with a base, vertical support members, and a platform that allows the screw to be supported and manipulated more easily, reducing the direct manual labor required for removal and reinstallation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support cart is divided into functional segments: a movable base for positioning, vertical support members for structural stability, and a platform for supporting the screw. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, making the overall system more effective for handling the screw during changeovers.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support cart is made stationary for stability, then the screw can be securely supported, but the cart cannot be repositioned easily
Solution Approach 1:
The support cart incorporates a caster assembly with wheels that allow the base to be easily moved along the floor when needed, while the vertical support members and platform remain stable when the cart is in position. This dynamic design enables the cart to transition between mobile and stationary states as required by the operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The caster assembly allows the cart's mobility parameter to be changed based on operational requirements. When repositioning is needed, the wheels enable easy movement; when stability is required, the cart can be held stationary. This parameter change capability resolves the contradiction between mobility and stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the trolley height is fixed, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate various screw sizes and positions
Solution Approach 1:
The trolley incorporates an adjustable height mechanism with a vertical support member that can be positioned at different heights along its length. This allows the trolley to adapt to various screw sizes and positions, providing versatility without requiring an overly complex structure, as the adjustment is achieved through a straightforward mechanical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The trolley's adjustable height feature allows operators to pre-position the support platform at the appropriate height before inserting or removing the screw. This preliminary adjustment ensures proper alignment and reduces the need for complex real-time adjustments during the actual screw handling operation.
4Ease of operation
If the support cart is designed for portability, then it can be easily repositioned, but it may lack the stability needed for precise screw handling
Solution Approach 1:
The support cart uses a caster assembly with wheels that provide easy portability when repositioning is needed, while the vertical support members and platform structure provide stability during screw handling operations. The dynamic design allows the cart to be mobile when required but stable when in position, resolving the contradiction between portability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cart is segmented into a movable base portion with wheels for portability and a stable support structure with vertical members and platform for precision work. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function: the base provides mobility while the support structure ensures stability during screw removal and installation operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A support cart for a machine screw may comprise a frame and a plurality of trolleys. The frame may have a pair of tracks and a caster assembly. The caster assembly may have a first position where the frame does not contact a surface, such as a floor, allowing the frame to be movable. The caster assembly may also have a second position which allows the frame to contact the surface, such as a floor, rendering the frame to be substantially stationary. The plurality of trolleys may include a base, an adjuster, a support bracket, and a plurality of rollers. The trolleys may be movable along the tracks of the frame via the plurality of rollers. A height position of the support bracket may be adjustable relative to the base via the adjuster.