Belt Conveyance Assembly Using Slider Locking for Bearing Holder Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in assembling a belt conveyance apparatus is preventing the bearing holder from falling off during the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a slider mechanism with a rib portion that engages with a bearing holder, allowing it to be moved in a contact-release direction, and a driving gear that meshes with the slider to maintain the bearing holder's position, ensuring it does not fall off during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bearing holder is attached to the frame during assembly, then the belt conveyance apparatus can be assembled, but the bearing holder may fall off easily during the assembly process
Solution Approach 1:
The slider is preliminarily positioned in the disengaged position before the bearing holder is attached to the frame. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the slider will not interfere with the bearing holder attachment process, while still providing potential support if needed. The bearing holder and urging member are then attached to the frame in a state where the slider is disengaged, preventing the bearing holder from falling off during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly process is segmented into distinct sequential steps: first positioning the slider in the disengaged position, then attaching the bearing holder and urging member, followed by moving the slider to the engaged position, and finally attaching the driving gear. This segmentation allows each component to be attached in an optimal state, preventing the bearing holder from falling off while maintaining assembly ease.
2Reliability
If additional holding mechanisms are used to prevent the bearing holder from falling off, then the bearing holder attachment stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slider serves multiple functions: it acts as a positioner for the bearing holder, a connector for the driving gear, and a movable element for belt tension adjustment. By making the slider multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate holding mechanisms, thus maintaining reliability while preventing increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing holder attachment stability is achieved through the self-service mechanism of the slider and driving gear combination. The slider, when engaged with the bearing holder and meshed with the driving gear, automatically provides the necessary holding function without requiring additional external holding mechanisms, thereby maintaining simplicity.
3Reliability
If the slider is arranged in the engaged position from the beginning, then the bearing holder is secured, but the assembly process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The slider is preliminarily positioned in the disengaged position before the bearing holder is attached. This preliminary arrangement facilitates easier assembly by allowing the bearing holder and urging member to be attached without interference from the slider. After attachment, the slider is then moved to the engaged position to secure the bearing holder, combining assembly ease with reliability.
4Ease of manufacture
If the driving gear is attached before the slider is engaged with the bearing holder, then the assembly sequence is simplified, but the bearing holder may fall off
Solution Approach 1:
The slider is preliminarily positioned in the disengaged position and the bearing holder is attached to the frame before the driving gear is attached. This preliminary sequence ensures the bearing holder is securely attached without interference. Only after this is complete is the driving gear attached and the slider moved to the engaged position, maintaining both assembly simplicity and reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of assembling a belt conveyance apparatus (40) having an endless belt (32), a plurality of rollers (32r), a frame (41), a bearing holder (51), an urging member (52), a slider (53), and a driving gear (43) includes the steps of: in a state without the driving gear (43) mounted to the frame (41), arranging the slider (53) in a disengaged position; attaching the bearing holder (51) and the urging member (52) to the frame (41); moving the slider (53) in an engaged position so that it engages with the bearing holder (51); and attaching the driving gear (43) to the frame (41) so that it meshes with the slider (53) arranged in the engaged position.