Cam Lever Fixing Assembly for Faster Equipment Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing removable fixing devices for equipment in enclosures, such as reactors and distillation columns, face challenges in efficient mounting and removal, often requiring precise positioning and complex mechanisms that increase installation and removal times.
Innovation Solution
A removable fixing device featuring a compressible planar piece, an operating lever with a cam mechanism, and an assembly rod, allowing for easy switching between tightened and loosened positions to facilitate faster and more straightforward mounting and removal, with a cam lever design that distributes load and maintains fixation under varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a key with inclined top edge is used to fix equipment, then the equipment is blocked and fixed inside the slit, but the loosening process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional key fixation mechanism by replacing the inclined top edge key with a cam lever system. The cam lever rotates to transform from a blocked position (fixing) to a free position (loosening), reversing the operational logic of the prior art where the key geometry itself created the blocking effect. This inversion simplifies the loosening process from complex extraction to simple rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing mechanism transitions from a static key insertion system to a dynamic cam lever rotation system. The cam lever can dynamically switch between two positions: a first position where it blocks the key to maintain fixation, and a second position where it releases the key to enable removal. This dynamic capability resolves the time-loss contradiction by making loosening as simple as rotating the lever.
2Reliability
If a pivoting body with opening is used to couple structures, then the structures are fixed via stud and pin, but perfect positioning is required and removal is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the positioning requirement from the fixation process by separating the stud-pin coupling from the positioning function. The cam lever system handles positioning independently through its rotational motion, while the stud and pin merely provide the coupling mechanism. This extraction eliminates the need for perfect positioning during mounting and simplifies removal to a lever rotation action.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam lever system provides self-positioning through its cam profile geometry. As the lever rotates between its first and second positions, the cam profile automatically guides the key into the correct position without requiring external positioning aids or precise alignment procedures. This self-service positioning resolves the ease of operation contradiction.
3Reliability
If a complex fixing mechanism is used to ensure secure fixation, then the fixing efficiency is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam lever serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a blocking element to maintain fixation, a releasing mechanism for removal, and a positioning guide through its cam profile. By consolidating these functions into a single component rather than using separate elements for each function, the invention maintains fixing efficiency while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the blocking function, releasing function, and positioning function into a unified cam lever mechanism. The key and its slot work together with the cam lever in an integrated assembly where the lever's rotation simultaneously controls all aspects of fixation and removal. This merging eliminates the need for complex separate mechanisms for each function.
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
The device significantly reduces installation and removal times, enhances maneuverability, and ensures secure fixation despite fluctuations in pressure and temperature, while allowing for easy adjustment of the tightening torque.
Implementation Method 1
said compressible planar piece, said operating lever comprising a cam lever and said tightening means arranged in tightened position are successively disposed parallel to the plane P around said assembly rod and in an assemblage
Data Source
AI summary
A removable fixing device 1 for fixing equipment A on a support B, with:a compressible planar piece 5, an operating lever comprising a cam lever 2, and an assembly rod 3 having a first end and a second end; with:the second end of the assembly rod 3 being provided with a tightening means (4);the compressible planar piece 5, said operating lever comprising a cam lever 2 and the tightening means 4 arranged in tightened position being disposed around the assembly rod 3 in an assemblage;said operating lever comprising a cam lever 2 being arranged so that a rotation of the cam lever 2 about an axis y at right angles to the axis z of the assembly rod 3 induces a displacement of the cam lever 2 between a tightened position and a loosened position.