Brush Production Chain Alignment via Cardan Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brush manufacturing devices require complex and costly mechanisms to align bristle carriers in multiple directions for processing, involving decoupling of chain links and additional guides, which increases effort and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A method and device utilizing a revolving endless chain with pivotably attached chain links and a positioning device that aligns the entire chain link section in both intersecting directions within the processing station, eliminating the need for decoupling and additional guides, allowing the chain to pivot laterally and be folded for precise alignment and reduced effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the chain links are decoupled from each other to allow independent alignment movements, then the alignment precision of bristle carriers is improved, but the device complexity and inertial mass increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precision of bristle carriersVSAvoidcomplexity of chain mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chain is divided into individual chain links that can pivot relative to each other at cardan joints, allowing each link to be aligned independently while remaining part of the continuous chain structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chain links are designed with variable geometry through cardan joints, enabling dynamic change in the spatial parameters (angles and positions) of each link to achieve precise alignment without decoupling from the chain

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional guides and alignment mechanisms are added to the holders, then the alignment capability in multiple directions is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment capability in multiple directionsVSAvoidcomplexity of holder structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the holder complex with multiple guides to achieve alignment, the patent inverts the approach by making the chain links themselves alignable through cardan joints, simplifying the holder to a basic support structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The cardan joint structure serves multiple functions: it connects chain links in series, allows pivotal movement in multiple directions, and enables alignment of the bristle carrier, replacing what would otherwise require separate alignment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the chain is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then the structural stability is improved, but the mobility and alignment capability of chain links deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stability of chainVSAvoidmobility of chain links
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The chain structure transitions from a rigid configuration to a dynamic one, where chain links can pivot relative to each other through cardan joints, allowing the chain to adapt its shape and position while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This approach simplifies the construction and operation of the device, reducing alignment effort and maintaining precise alignment of bristle carriers for processing, enabling efficient and cost-effective production of brushes with reduced inertial mass and increased mobility of chain links.

Implementation Method 1

A chain consisting of several chain elements is guided in the guide track, on which holders for brush bodies are attached. The individual chain links are connected to each other via a cardan joint in order to enable the relative movement of the chain links in many spatial directions.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCardan joint: Gimbal

Data Source

PatentEP3612054B1Method and device for producing brushes
Publication Date: 2023.07.05 GB BOUCHERIE NV
  • EP3612054B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1a
  • EP3612054B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3612054B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a device for producing a brush which has a brush support, said method and device providing a continuous endless chain (26) with multiple chain links (28) which are fixed to one another in a pivotal manner and on which mountings (30) for brush supports (12) sit. In a machining station, the chain link (28) located therein is moved in two intersecting directions through a positioning device so as to be aligned relative to the machining tool.