Bowling Lane Cam-Actuated Wick Segments for Precise Dressing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bowling lane maintenance machines using solenoid-actuated wick segments for delivering dressing lack precise control over the actuation of wick segments, leading to inefficiencies in applying a preselected dressing pattern.
Innovation Solution
The use of cam actuators fixed to a common cam shaft, rotated by a motor controlled by a programmable logic controller, to independently actuate wick segments, ensuring precise engagement and disengagement with the transfer roll based on the machine's distance along the lane, utilizing springs for yieldable engagement and a series of cams to control the dressing delivery pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If solenoid-actuated devices are used to control wick segments, then the system can deliver dressing to the lane, but the control precision over wick segment actuation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces solenoid-actuated devices with a cam-based mechanical actuation system. The cam mechanism converts rotational motion of the cam shaft into precise linear motion that actuates the wick segments at predetermined positions, eliminating the need for complex solenoid control systems while improving actuation precision through the inherent mechanical geometry of the cams.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam shaft rotates continuously to dynamically actuate different wick segments at different positions along the lane. This dynamic mechanical system allows precise control of wick segment actuation timing and position through the rotational position of the cam shaft, replacing static or less precise solenoid-based control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a programmed control system is used to determine wick segment contact timing, then dressing pattern can be controlled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is pre-configured with specific cam profiles that are designed in advance to actuate wick segments at predetermined positions along the lane. This preliminary design of the cam geometry embeds the dressing pattern control directly into the mechanical structure, eliminating the need for complex programmable control systems while maintaining versatility in applying different dressing patterns through cam selection or adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism creates a physical copy or representation of the desired dressing pattern in the form of cam profiles. Each cam profile encodes the actuation timing and position information that would otherwise require programming, translating the digital control concept into a mechanical analog that is inherently precise and requires no complex control system.
3Ease of operation
If multiple solenoids are used to actuate each wick segment independently, then individual segment control is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cam shaft serves as a universal actuation mechanism that controls multiple wick segments simultaneously through different cam profiles mounted on the same shaft. This single mechanical component performs the function of multiple solenoids, providing individual segment control while reducing overall system complexity by consolidating multiple actuation functions into one mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple independent solenoid actuation systems into a single cam-based mechanism. By combining the control functions of multiple solenoids into one rotating cam shaft with multiple cam profiles, the system achieves the same individual wick segment control with reduced complexity and fewer separate components.
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 allows for precise control over the application of lane dressing, enabling a predetermined pattern across the lane surface, ensuring optimal dressing distribution and minimizing residual dressing, thus improving the efficiency and consistency of the dressing process.
Implementation Method 1
a series of cam actuators (96) are provided, one for each of the wick segments (64). All of the cam actuators (96) are fixed to a common cam shaft (98)
Implementation Method 2
each of the wick segments (64) is provided with at least one spring (76) that yieldably urges the segment into contacting engagement with the transfer roll (60)
Data Source
AI summary
A bowling lane maintenance machine utilizes flexible wick segments to transfer lane dressing to the applicator roll of the machine. The wick segments are caused to flex into and out of contacting engagement with a transfer roll associated with the applicator roll by rotatable cams that engage cam followers associated with the wick segments. The cams are all secured to a common cam shaft and are rotated in unison through successive short segments of rotational travel by an indexing motor that responds to a controller. Each wick segment has at least one spring that urges the segment into contacting engagement with the transfer roll, while the cam for that segment is disposed to engage the follower and flex the wick segment off the transfer roll against the action of the spring when the lobe of the cam is in contacting engagement with the follower.