Binding Machine Dial Coupling for Misalignment-Tolerant Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reinforcing bar binding machines face difficulties in assembly due to the need to align the axial centers of the operation dial and rotary switch, which can be misaligned, and applying a load to the rotary switch shaft when they are not perpendicular.
Innovation Solution
A binding machine design that includes a connecting portion allowing the operation dial and rotary switch shaft to be rotatable and movable in various directions, including inclined and orthogonal to the shaft's extending direction, enabling assembly even when axial centers are deviated and preventing load application on the shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the axial centers of the operation dial and rotary switch are aligned, then assembly is possible, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
A connecting portion is introduced as an intermediary component between the operation dial and the rotary switch. This connecting portion includes a connecting hole that can accommodate the rotary switch shaft, allowing the operation dial to be connected to the rotary switch without requiring precise alignment of their axial centers. The connecting portion absorbs the misalignment and enables successful assembly.
2Device complexity
If the axial centers of the operation dial and rotary switch deviate, then assembly becomes difficult, but the device complexity should be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting portion serves as a mediator that accommodates the deviation between the axial centers of the operation dial and the rotary switch. The connecting hole in the connecting portion can receive the rotary switch shaft even when the axial centers are not perfectly aligned, thereby enabling assembly without requiring precise alignment while maintaining device simplicity.
3Device complexity
If the operation dial and rotary switch shaft are not perpendicular, then assembly becomes difficult, but the device complexity should be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting portion acts as an intermediary that can accommodate non-perpendicular orientations between the operation dial and the rotary switch shaft. The connecting hole is designed to receive the rotary switch shaft even when the shaft is not perfectly perpendicular to the operation dial, thereby enabling assembly without requiring strict perpendicularity while keeping the device structure simple.
4Reliability
If the axial centers are aligned, then the shaft is protected from load, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting portion serves as a protective intermediary that prevents load from being applied to the rotary switch shaft during assembly. By accommodating misalignment through its connecting hole design, the connecting portion ensures that the shaft is not subjected to damaging loads even when the axial centers are not perfectly aligned, thereby protecting the shaft while maintaining assembly simplicity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
There is provided a binding machine including: an operation dial configured to receive an operation of rotating the operation dial; a rotary switch having a rotatable shaft; and a connecting portion connecting the shaft and the operation dial such that the shaft is rotatable, the connecting portion supporting the operation dial such that a posture of the operation dial is changeable with respect to an extending direction of the shaft.