Bucket Handle Fitting Machine with Modular Clamping and Cam Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing bucket handle fitting machines require a lengthy conversion time to adapt to metal rod elements of different lengths and diameters, especially when producing small batches of handles, due to the need to disassemble and reconfigure hydraulic cylinders.
Innovation Solution
A device with a clamping mechanism and a drive system that includes a pivotable transmission element with a cam track and a lever arm, allowing for efficient plastic deformation of the metal rod ends to form thickened heads using a pneumatic cylinder, which reduces the power requirements and maintains a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic cylinders are disassembled and reconfigured to adapt to different metal rod sizes, then the device can handle various rod lengths and diameters, but the conversion time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components including interchangeable clamping bodies and deformation members that can be quickly swapped without disassembling the entire hydraulic system. This segmentation allows rapid adaptation to different rod sizes while minimizing conversion time.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic cylinder system is designed with universal mounting interfaces and adjustable components that can accommodate multiple rod diameters and lengths using the same base unit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for complete reconfiguration while maintaining adaptability.
2Force
If hydraulic cylinders are used to drive the deformation body, then sufficient force is available for plastic deformation, but the device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the hydraulic drive system with a mechanically-driven deformation body. The drive shaft, transmission gear, and cam mechanism work together to convert rotational motion into the linear force needed for plastic deformation, eliminating hydraulic complexity while maintaining sufficient deformation force.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism converts continuous rotational motion into periodic linear motion, providing the necessary force pulses for plastic deformation. This periodic action through the cam profile ensures sufficient force is applied at the correct moments in the deformation cycle.
3Reliability
If hydraulic cylinders are used for driving deformation members, then reliable force application is achieved, but the ease of adaptation to different rod configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanically-driven deformation body incorporates adjustable components and flexible mounting arrangements that allow quick reconfiguration for different rod sizes and shapes. The dynamic adjustment capabilities maintain reliable force application while significantly improving ease of adaptation compared to fixed hydraulic systems.
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 solution enables rapid adaptation to various metal rod sizes and shapes, reducing conversion time and allowing for the production of handles with consistent quality, while also improving the ease of handle removal and enabling the use of lower-power pneumatic cylinders.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission element drivably connected to the drive unit, which transmission element is pivotable about a pivot axis and is provided with a cam track
Implementation Method 2
a lever arm, which at one end abuts against the cam track of the transmission element and at an opposite end is provided with the deformation body, which lever arm is hingeable about a hinge axis
Implementation Method 3
a deformation body for plastically deforming the end portion of the metal rod element in order to form the thickened head
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The invention relates to, in combination, at least a first clamping body (15) and a second clamping body (14), wherein each clamping body (14, 15) is provided with a clamping surface (50,51) in which a longitudinal groove (53,54) is made, wherein the clamping surfaces (50,51) of the clamping bodies (14,15) can be placed one against the other such that the longitudinal grooves (53,54) form a receiving cavity for receiving a portion of a metal rod element (2). The first clamping body (15) is provided with a hook-shaped projection (56) projecting from the clamping surface (51) thereof. The second clamping body (14) is provided with a recess (60) made in the clamping surface (50) thereof. The hook-shaped projection of the first clamping body can be received in the recess of the second clamping body when the clamping surfaces of the clamping bodies abut one against the other.