Cam Axle Lock Assembly for Single-Sided Conveyor Roller Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional axle locks for conveyor rollers are difficult to install as they require simultaneous manipulation on both sides of the conveyor frame, posing challenges in installation and alignment.
Innovation Solution
An axle lock mechanism featuring a locking plate, bolt, cam handle, and nut system that allows for secure locking and installation from a single side of the frame by rotating the cam handle, utilizing a pin axis and threaded/non-threaded shank to lock the nut in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional axle locks are bolted onto the conveyor frame requiring simultaneous manipulation on both sides, then the locking mechanism provides secure attachment, but the installation process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The axle lock is divided into separate components: a locking plate with apertures for the axle, a cam handle mechanism, and a bolt assembly. This segmentation allows the locking plate to be positioned on the frame while the cam handle operates independently from the opposite side, eliminating the need for simultaneous two-sided manipulation while maintaining secure attachment through the distributed component structure
Solution Approach 2:
The cam handle acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates rotational motion into linear cam motion, which then actuates the locking plate against the frame. This intermediary mechanism allows the installer to operate the locking mechanism from a single side, as the cam handle mediates between the operator's input and the locking action, eliminating the need for direct manipulation of components on both sides of the frame
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional axle locks require simultaneous manipulation on both sides of the frame, then proper alignment can be achieved, but the installation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking plate is pre-configured with the first and second apertures positioned to receive the axle and bolt respectively. The cam handle is pre-positioned on the bolt, and the nut is threaded onto the bolt before installation. This preliminary preparation of components ensures that when installed, the alignment is correct without requiring complex adjustment procedures that would consume additional time
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism serves as an intermediary that ensures proper alignment during installation. As the cam handle is rotated, the cam surface guides the locking plate into the correct position relative to the frame and axle, automatically achieving proper alignment without requiring the installer to manually adjust components on both sides of the frame, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining precision
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
Facilitates easy and secure installation of conveyor rollers by allowing single-sided access, ensuring proper alignment and durability, while replacing cumbersome conventional bolted mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
pivoting the cam handle on the pin axis locks the locking plate to the frame
Implementation Method 2
rotating the cam handle on the bolt axis facilitates the plurality of threads to rotate inside the nut that allows tightening of the nut with the bolt
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An axle lock for coupling a roller to a frame is disclosed. The axle lock comprises a locking plate having a first locking plate aperture and a second locking plate aperture. Further, the first locking plate aperture allows an axle of the roller to be positioned within a cam handle. A bolt extending through the second locking plate aperture, the bolt having a first portion having a plurality of threads, a second portion having a pin aperture. Further, a pin is positioned within the cam aperture and the pin aperture, and a nut. Further, the locking plate is positioned between the nut and the cam handle. Further, the nut is configured to pass through a frame aperture of the frame. Further, pivoting the cam handle on the pin axis locks the locking plate to the frame when the frame is positioned between the nut and the locking plate.