Clip-Fastened Chain Roller Unit for Tool-Free Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing roller devices for articulated chains, used in conveyor technology, are difficult to assemble and disassemble due to complex fastening systems, requiring significant effort and tools, and are prone to wear from environmental exposure.
Innovation Solution
A roller device with a clip fastening system equipped with a release device, where the groove in the mounting bolt is formed by the bolt itself and a plate, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without tools, and a lubricant receiving arrangement to pre-fill the roller unit, reducing contamination and maintenance complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex fastening system is used to secure the roller unit on the mounting bolt, then the roller unit is firmly fixed, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into a clip component with a resilient arm and a groove component, allowing independent assembly of each part. The clip can be opened, positioned, and closed separately to secure the roller unit, enabling tool-free assembly and disassembly while maintaining firm fixation during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip features a resilient arm that can dynamically change its position between a closed state (securing the roller unit) and an open state (allowing assembly/disassembly). This dynamic capability enables the fastening system to provide firm fixation during operation while allowing easy assembly and disassembly when needed.
2Device complexity
If the roller is mounted directly on extended bolts or shaft elements, then the structure is simple, but the dismantling requires significant effort and involves multiple components joined by press fits
Solution Approach 1:
The clip acts as an intermediary component between the mounting bolt and the roller unit. Instead of directly pressing the roller onto the bolt (which requires significant dismantling effort), the clip provides a removable fastening mechanism that secures the roller unit to the bolt, maintaining structural simplicity while enabling easy assembly and disassembly.
3Reliability
If the roller unit is pre-filled with lubricant, then wear is reduced and maintenance is simplified, but contamination risk increases during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The roller unit is pre-filled with lubricant before final assembly (preliminary action). The clip fastening system allows the roller unit to be assembled in a controlled manner, with the clip being opened, the pre-lubricated roller unit positioned, and then the clip closed to seal the lubricant in place, reducing contamination risk during the assembly process.
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
Simplifies the assembly and disassembly process, reduces wear by pre-filling lubricant, and minimizes contamination during assembly, enhancing the operational efficiency and longevity of the roller units.
Implementation Method 1
the clip having a resilient arm, which, in an engaged state, engages with the groove
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a roller, wherein the roller is designed as a roller unit (L), comprising at least one attachment socket (3), a bearing (2) and a roller (1). The invention also relates to a roller device, comprising an attachment bolt (4) and a roller arranged on the attachment bolt, wherein said roller is a roller according to at least one of claims 1 to 7. The invention further relates to a link chain, wherein the link chain is provided with a roller according to at least one of claims 1 to 7 or with a roller device according to at least one of claims 8 to 15. Moreover, the invention relates to the use of a link chain according to at least one of the preceding claims as a conveying chain.