Bearing Plate with Segmented Pressure Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support plates for positioning containers struggle to accommodate containers with varying dimensions, leading to inconsistent positioning and potential misalignment, especially when the container's diameter exceeds the opening, resulting in unstable and incorrect positioning.
Innovation Solution
A support plate design featuring two pressure elements, with one being cross-shaped and having a bevel, and spring elements evenly distributed on a unit circle, allowing for adjustable positioning and secure stabilization of containers with different diameters, and utilizing polyurethane or rubber for enhanced friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single pressure element is used in the positioning device, then the structure is simple, but the container cannot be positioned at consistent height when diameter varies
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device is segmented into two independent pressure elements instead of using a single pressure element. This segmentation allows each pressure element to independently support the container, enabling consistent positioning height even when container diameter varies. The first pressure element supports the container bottom while the second pressure element (positioning body) ensures proper positioning, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the opening in the positioning device is enlarged to accommodate larger containers, then containers with larger diameters can be positioned, but containers with smaller diameters cannot be securely positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device uses spring-mounted pressure elements that can dynamically adjust their position based on container diameter. The first pressure element supports containers of various sizes, while the second pressure element (positioning body with opening) provides dynamic positioning adjustment. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between accommodating various container sizes and maintaining precise positioning, as the system automatically adjusts to match the container diameter.
3Reliability
If spring elements are added to connect pressure elements to the base body, then the pressure elements can react to container weight and provide stable positioning, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Spring elements are added locally at specific connection points between the pressure elements and the base body, rather than throughout the entire structure. The first pressure element is spring-mounted to allow vertical movement for weight compensation, while the second pressure element (positioning body) uses spring elements to enable radial adjustment. This localized application of spring elements provides necessary stability and adaptability while minimizing overall structural complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If the positioning body is made rigid to maintain positioning accuracy, then positioning precision is improved, but the positioning body cannot adapt to containers with different diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning body is designed with spring elements that allow it to dynamically adjust its position radially while maintaining positioning accuracy. The spring-mounted second pressure element can move to accommodate different container diameters, yet the positioning body's structural design (with its opening and bevel) ensures that positioning precision is maintained. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction between rigidity for accuracy and flexibility for adaptability.
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
Ensures consistent positioning at the same height for containers with fluctuating diameters, providing stable and secure footing by distributing forces uniformly and avoiding one-sided loads, thus accommodating dimensional variations and improving production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least four spring elements are provided, which connect the first pressure element to the base body, while at least four spring elements can be provided, which connect the positioning body to the base body
Implementation Method 2
the first pressure element consists of polyurethane and/or rubber or has an outer layer consisting of it, wherein the positioning body can consist of polyurethane or can comprise an outer layer consisting of this. Providing the support plate or the first pressure element and the positioning body with polyurethane or rubber increases the static friction between these elements and the containers positioned on them
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Support plate for positioning containers, comprising a base body (203), with at least one first pressure element (204) arranged on the base body, wherein the first pressure element is arranged at least partially parallel to the base body, and furthermore a positioning body (205) is provided, which is arranged on the base body and has at least one opening through which the first pressure element at least partially projects, characterized in that the positioning body is designed as a second pressure element.