Articulated Arm for Ceramic Storage Roller Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loading/unloading stations for ceramic products face issues with flexing forces in operating arms, leading to engagement failures with rollers, especially when the supporting sides of the storage units are not perfectly perpendicular, and existing solutions like tensioning elements are ineffective for non-perpendicular configurations.
Innovation Solution
An arm design with a main longitudinal member that oscillates relative to a supporting longitudinal member, allowing correct activation of all rollers regardless of configuration, using adjustable oscillation organs and a hinge positioned at the halfway point of the storage unit sides to distribute flexional stress and accommodate different angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the arm structure is made rigid with tensioning elements, then the arm resistance to flexing force is improved, but the adaptability to non-perpendicular storage unit configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is designed with an articulated structure comprising multiple articulated elements that can dynamically adjust their relative positions and angles. This allows the arm to adapt its configuration to match non-perpendicular storage unit orientations while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm is divided into multiple articulated elements connected by joints, allowing each segment to independently adjust to accommodate varying storage unit configurations. This segmentation enables the arm to maintain rigidity where needed while providing flexibility in orientation.
2Reliability
If the arm is positioned closer to the storage unit for better engagement, then the engagement reliability with rollers is improved, but the risk of flexing force-induced failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated elements can dynamically adjust their configuration based on the engagement requirements, allowing the arm to position itself optimally for roller engagement while distributing flexing forces across multiple joints and segments, thereby maintaining structural integrity.
3Device complexity
If the arm structure is simplified without tensioning elements, then the device complexity is reduced, but the arm resistance to flexing force deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated structure provides inherent flexibility and adaptability without requiring additional tensioning elements. The dynamic adjustment capability of the articulated elements replaces the need for complex rigid stabilization mechanisms, achieving both simplicity and structural integrity.
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The arm of the invention (1) for operating the roller planes (31) of a storage unit (30) for stocking ceramic products comprises: a main longitudinal member provided with a plurality of organs (4) for operating the ends of rollers (31) of each plane of the storage unit (30); a supporting longitudinal member, to which the main longitudinal member is hinged, activated vertically with stepped motion and activated horizontally to allow the operating organs (4) to engage/disengage with or from the ends of the rollers (31) of each plane of the storage unit (30).