Belted Sheave Maintenance Tool for Guided Rotational Component Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Belted sheave systems pose challenges in maintenance due to heavy, awkward rotational components and tight packaging, making assembly, disassembly, and maintenance operations complex and difficult.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a support structure, rods, and brackets that allow for the detachment and suspension of rotational components, enabling easier access and maintenance by replacing traditional fasteners with rods for axial movement and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional threaded fasteners are used to secure the rotational component to the support structure, then the rotational component is firmly held in place, but the rotational component is heavy and awkward to handle, making maintenance difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tool segments the maintenance operation into distinct phases: insertion of rods through the rotational component, threading rods into the support structure, and controlled removal. This segmentation allows the heavy rotational component to be supported and positioned incrementally rather than requiring complete removal and reinstallation, reducing the effort needed to handle the heavy component.
Solution Approach 2:
The rods serve as intermediary elements between the rotational component and the support structure. Instead of directly manipulating the heavy rotational component with traditional fasteners, the rods act as mediators that can be easily inserted, threaded, and removed, facilitating the maintenance operation while supporting the weight of the rotational component.
2Ease of operation
If the rotational component is securely mounted to the support structure, then the system is stable during operation, but access to the rotational component for maintenance is difficult due to tight packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The tool extracts the fastening function from the traditional threaded fastener system and replaces it with rods that can be independently inserted and secured. This extraction allows the rotational component to be partially disassembled from the support structure while maintaining stability, providing access for maintenance operations in tightly packaged spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a static, fully secured state to a dynamic state where rods can be easily inserted and removed. This dynamic capability allows the rotational component to be quickly accessed for maintenance while maintaining operational stability when the rods are in place, accommodating the constraints of tight packaging.
3Ease of manufacture
If large lifting tools are used to handle the heavy rotational component, then the component can be moved and maintained, but the tooling becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The rods are designed to be self-supporting structures that can bear the weight of the rotational component without requiring external lifting equipment. The rods thread into the support structure and provide mechanical support, allowing the rotational component to be maintained using only the simple rod insertion tool rather than expensive heavy-duty lifting equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The rods are simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. Instead of investing in expensive, complex lifting tools, the solution uses multiple simple rods that serve the dual purpose of fastening and supporting the rotational component, reducing overall maintenance tooling costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool assists with maintenance of a belted sheave system. The sheave system includes a belt, a support structure, and a rotational component including a housing detachably engaged to the support structure and a sheave mounted for rotation to the housing and about an axis. The tool includes a rod constructed and arranged to rigidly mount to the support structure with a centerline disposed substantially parallel to the axis. A bracket of the tool is constructed and arranged to be engaged to the housing and is in sliding contact with the rod.