Adjustable Bar Feeder Guide Channel With Vibration-Damping Shell

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing guide elements in bar feeders are not suitable for accommodating bars of different sizes and diameters, as they require replacement and lack effective vibration damping.

Innovation Solution

A bar feeder with an adjustable guide channel formed by a flexible shell made of polyurethane-based plastic or rubber, which can be adjusted using a clamping device with pivoting rollers and an actuation piston, allowing for easy adaptation to various bar diameters while maintaining optimal guiding properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If rigid guide channels adapted to specific bar diameters are used, then guidance precision is improved, but adaptability to different bar sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguidance precisionVSAvoidadaptability to different bar sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The guide channel transitions from a rigid fixed structure to a dynamically adjustable structure. The shell portion can be moved axially relative to the support portion, allowing the guide channel length and configuration to be adjusted according to different bar diameters, thus achieving both precise guidance and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The guide channel is divided into two distinct portions: a support portion and a shell portion. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each portion, enabling the guide channel to adapt to different bar sizes while maintaining optimal guidance properties for each configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If guide elements are replaced for different bar diameters, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and storage requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different bar diametersVSAvoidcomplexity of guide element management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single guide channel structure serves multiple functions by allowing axial adjustment of the shell portion. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple dedicated guide channels for different bar diameters, reducing device complexity and storage requirements while maintaining full adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If V-shaped jaws are used to adjust to different diameters, then adaptability is improved, but vibration damping capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment to different diametersVSAvoidbar vibrations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The guide channel uses a shell portion that can be made of flexible or damped material. This shell can conform to different bar diameters through axial adjustment while providing continuous contact surface for effective vibration damping, unlike rigid V-shaped jaws that have limited contact area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable guide channels with pivoting jaws are used, then adaptability is improved, but guiding surface area deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability to different diametersVSAvoidguiding surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The axial movement of the shell portion dynamically adjusts the guide channel configuration while maintaining optimal guiding surface area. Unlike pivoting jaws that reduce contact area, the sliding shell mechanism preserves continuous surface contact throughout the adjustment range

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution enables easy adjustment of the guide channel to accommodate different bar diameters without changing the guide part, while improving guiding properties and reducing vibrations through the use of a flexible shell and efficient actuation mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

feed tubes or guide elements can be made in shock-absorbing materials such as polyurethane-based plastic or rubber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

the adjustable guide element consists of a flexible shell enveloping the bars

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12202047B2Device for adjusting the diameter of a guide channel for bars to be machined

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 LNS MANAGEMENT SARL

AI summary

Bar feeder (1) comprising a guide channel (10) centred on an invariable guide axis (A-A), characterised in that the guide channel (10) is adjustable and is formed by an adjustable guide element which can define a guide channel with a constant centre (C) corresponding to a bar diameter comprised between a maximum bar diameter (DMax) in a first position (P1) and a minimum bar diameter (DMin) in a second position (P2) under the action of a device for adjusting the diameter of the guide channel (2).