Axle Lock Assembly Using Lateral Force to Stabilize Roller Shafts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor systems face operational challenges due to relative movement between roller shafts and motorized rollers, leading to instability and potential misalignment, which affects the smooth operation and efficiency of material handling processes.
Innovation Solution
An axle lock assembly comprising a first plate, a second plate, and a bushing that creates a lateral force to secure the roller shafts in place, preventing rotation and ensuring stability during motorized roller operation, with guiding features and geometrical shapes to accommodate different configurations of roller shafts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If roller shafts are placed on conveyor without locking mechanism, then installation is simple, but relative movement occurs between shafts and motorized rollers causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft securing mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a locking plate with guiding features, a bushing for lateral force application, and geometric shaping of the shaft. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity of the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric shape of the roller shaft itself (non-circular cross-section) provides inherent locking capability when combined with the locking plate. The shaft's own geometry serves as part of the securing mechanism, eliminating the need for additional complex fastening components.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional shaft securing methods are used, then device complexity is low, but misalignment and operational issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The roller shaft is designed with a non-circular cross-sectional geometry (such as square or rectangular). This asymmetric shape prevents rotation and ensures precise alignment when inserted into the locking plate, eliminating misalignment issues without requiring complex alignment procedures or additional alignment components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking plate with guiding features acts as an intermediary between the roller shaft and the motorized roller. It provides a controlled interface that ensures proper positioning and alignment of the shaft during installation and operation, preventing direct contact and potential misalignment between the shaft and roller components.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments illustrated herein disclose an axle lock assembly comprising a first plate with a first aperture, a second plate with a second aperture, a shaft, wherein the shaft is inserted through the first aperture and the second aperture and a bush. When the bushing is in contact with the first plate and the second plate, the bush creates a lateral force to move the first plate and the second plate in opposite directions to secure the shaft.