Belt Tensioner Pivot Arm Locking for Easy Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing belt tensioners lack a mechanism for easily transitioning between installation and operational positions, requiring complex adjustments and potentially compromising the range of movement for the pivot arm.
Innovation Solution
A tensioner design featuring a removable member engaged with the shaft to retain the pivot arm in a first position, allowing axial movement to a second position upon removal, which limits the pivot arm to distinct ranges of movement for installation and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed structure tensioner is used with an eccentric adjusting member, then the tensioner can apply constant belt tension, but the installation procedure becomes complex requiring rotation of the eccentric member and locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioner is divided into a fixed structure and a pivoted structure that can be independently positioned. The pivoted structure includes a pulley that can be rotated to different angular positions, allowing separation of installation and operational configurations. This segmentation enables simple installation by positioning the pivoted structure away from the belt, then rotating it into the operational position to apply tension.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioner transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic system where the pivoted structure can rotate about a pivot shaft. This dynamic capability allows the tensioner to be easily repositioned during installation and then locked into place, simplifying the installation procedure while maintaining reliable belt tension during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pivot arm is allowed full range of movement, then the tensioner can accommodate belt wear and length changes, but the installation process becomes difficult due to lack of position control
Solution Approach 1:
During installation, the pivoted structure is preliminarily positioned in a retracted configuration away from the belt, allowing easy belt routing. After the belt is installed, the pivoted structure is rotated into the operational position where it applies tension. This preliminary positioning action simplifies installation while preserving the full range of movement capability for accommodating belt wear during operation.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to fix the tensioner position, then the tensioner maintains stable belt tension, but the tensioner cannot be easily repositioned for installation or adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioner employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the pivoted structure can be freely rotated during installation and operation, then locked into position to maintain stable belt tension. The pivot shaft and associated locking components allow the system to transition between mobile and fixed states, providing both ease of repositioning and stable tension maintenance.
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
Facilitates easy transition between installation and operational configurations, ensuring proper belt tensioning and maintaining consistent belt tension across varying ranges of movement.
Implementation Method 1
A coil spring surrounds the pivot assembly and has its ends connected between the fixed and pivoted structures so as to bias the pivot structure in a belt take-up direction
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A tensioner (1000) comprising a base (100), a shaft (120) extending from the base, a pivot arm (140) pivotally engaged with the shaft, a torsion spring (130) disposed between the pivot arm the base, a base portion (111) cooperatively engagable with a pivot arm portion (141) upon an axial movement of the pivot arm to a first position, a removable member (190) engaged with the shaft to retain the pivot arm in the first position, the first position limiting the pivot arm to a first range of movement, and the pivot arm axially moveable to a second position upon removal of the removable member, the second position limiting the pivot arm to a second range of movement.