Brush Disc Coupling Module for Multi-Machine Fit and Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brush discs for floor cleaning machines are heavy, complex, and not recyclable due to different machine coupling systems from various manufacturers, requiring multiple discs for different machines and complicating the recycling process.
Innovation Solution
A clutch system with a machine coupling module that can be easily exchanged between different cleaning discs, featuring a driver ring made of metal and a disk ring made of plastic, allowing tool-free latching and alignment without play, enabling the same disc to be used with multiple machines and facilitating recycling by detaching the clutch module from the worn disc.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different machine coupling systems are provided for different manufacturers, then compatibility with various machines is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into two separate functional parts: a machine-specific coupling section and a disk-specific coupling section. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the machine coupling adapts to different manufacturers while the disk coupling remains standardized, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch module is designed with universal functionality to work with multiple machine interfaces. By incorporating adaptable machine coupling mechanisms while maintaining a standardized disk interface, a single clutch module design can serve multiple machine types, reducing the need for manufacturers to produce different disk designs.
2Reliability
If metal coupling sections are added to protect clutch geometries and transmit torque, then reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire disk heavy and complex with metal sections, the patent applies metal reinforcement only locally where it is critically needed - in the coupling sections that transmit torque and engage with the machine interface. The main disk body can remain lighter, achieving protection where required without unnecessary weight addition.
3Ease of manufacture
If the entire disk is made recyclable from plastic, then ease of recycling is improved, but torque transmission capability and durability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the disk into a recyclable plastic disk body and a reusable metal clutch module. The plastic disk can be fully recycled after wear, while the durable metal clutch module with torque transmission capabilities can be detached and reused with new disks, achieving both recyclability and strength requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables selective discarding and recovery: the worn plastic disk is discarded and recycled, while the valuable metal clutch module is recovered and reused. This approach maximizes material value retention and recycling efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
Coupling module for being arranged between a drive of a floor-cleaning machine and a cleaning disc, in particular a brush disc or a pad driving plate, wherein the coupling module has a machine coupling, which corresponds to the machine and can be released by rotation, and has a disc coupling, which corresponds to the disc and likewise can be released by rotation, wherein the disc coupling has holding sections and insertion cutouts, which are situated between the holding sections, such that, in an insertion position, disc-side coupling sections can be introduced axially into the insertion cutouts and made to engage behind the holding sections by rotation, and wherein latching means are provided for tool-free releasable latching of the coupling module, when a fastening position is reached, such that the rotation force for releasing the latching of the coupling module and the disc is greater than the force for releasing the coupling module 10 from the machine coupling.