Self-Resetting Clamping Element for Spiral Rotor Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vending machine spiral connectors require significant installation space and precise alignment, leading to potential damage and reduced product capacity due to axial deviations.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with a clamping element having self-resetting legs and a disk element for axial connection to the rotor, allowing easy alignment and minimal space usage, featuring a clamping mechanism that ensures precise positioning without additional fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rod element connection is used to connect the spiral to the rotor, then the spiral can be adjusted to a desired starting position, but considerable installation space is required and precise axial alignment is necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The rod element connecting component is extracted/removed from the system. Instead of using a rod element that extends from the rotor, the patent directly connects the disc element to the rotor surface, eliminating the need for additional connecting components and reducing installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of the rod element and the connection between the disc element and rotor are merged into a single direct connection. The disc element is mounted directly on the rotor surface, combining the positioning and connection functions into one integrated solution.
2Ease of operation
If a rod element connection is used to connect the spiral to the rotor, then the spiral can be adjusted to a desired starting position, but precise axial alignment is required to avoid damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment through the direct mounting of the disc element to the rotor. The disc element's positioning features automatically align with the rotor's rotation axis during installation, eliminating the need for precise pre-alignment of separate connecting components.
Solution Approach 2:
The disc element is pre-configured with positioning features that automatically ensure correct axial alignment when mounted on the rotor. This preliminary preparation of alignment features prevents the need for precise manual alignment during assembly.
3Ease of operation
If disc elements are fixed in a specific orientation using traditional methods, then the starting position of the spiral can be set, but additional fasteners and complex assembly are required
Solution Approach 1:
The disc element automatically sets and maintains the desired starting position through its direct mounting to the rotor. The positioning is achieved through the disc element's own structural features rather than requiring separate fastening mechanisms or complex adjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The disc element is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently positioned and mounted on the rotor. This segmentation allows for easy adjustment of the starting position by simply rotating the disc element to the desired orientation before mounting, without affecting other components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a connecting device for connecting a rotatably driven spiral of a product compartment to a motor-driven rotor, comprising a bearing arrangement for supporting the rotor, which has a component extension, a disk element that can be rotationally fixed to the spiral, and a clamping element having at least two legs that are self-resetting from a spreading position to a clamping position, whereby the clamping element can be clamped onto the component extension of the bearing arrangement, wherein each leg comprises at least one receiving section designed for rotatably receiving the disk element, so that the disk element can be axially connected to the rotor via the clamping element. The present invention further relates to a product compartment and a vending machine with such a connecting device, as well as a method for assembly.