Clip-Coupled Pulley Stopper for Versatile Belt Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for stopping pulley movement are not versatile enough to accommodate various pulley sizes and shapes, often resulting in accidental damage to pulleys and V-belts during manual operation.
Innovation Solution
A pulley stopper with a clamp portion comprising bar-shaped upper and lower clamps coupled by fasteners using a clip-type method, allowing for adjustable gap adjustment and minimizing damage through a pin-coupling and bolt-nut mechanism, made from materials like monomer casting nylon and brass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual barring is performed on pulleys of various sizes and shapes, then the pulley can be stopped, but the operation becomes complex and risky with potential for accidental damage to pulleys and V-belts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stopper as an intermediary tool between the operator and the pulley system. This stopper includes a shaft insertion portion that fits into the pulley shaft and a belt contact portion that directly stops the V-belt, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle moving belts and weighted facilities. The intermediary device absorbs the operational complexity and safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper is designed to be self-contained with all necessary components (shaft insertion portion, belt contact portion, and coupling mechanism) integrated into a single device. The device serves itself by automatically securing to the pulley shaft and directly stopping the belt without requiring additional tools or complex manual procedures, making the operation simple and safe.
2Reliability
If pipe wrench or similar tools are used to fix the pulley shaft, then the pulley can be secured, but the coating of the shaft is damaged and the pulley and V-belt may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft insertion portion is made of the same material (resin) as the stopper body, creating a homogeneous structure. This resin material is inherently non-marring and will not damage the shaft coating or pulley components, unlike metal pipe wrenches. The homogeneous material composition ensures secure fixing without harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper appears to be designed as a disposable or low-cost tool made of resin that can be replaced if damaged, rather than a precious metal tool that must be protected. This allows the use of a material (resin) that is safe for the pulley components without concern for the tool's durability, eliminating the need for protective coatings on the shaft.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal stopper design is created for various pulley sizes and shapes, then versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is divided into distinct functional segments: the shaft insertion portion for securing to the pulley shaft and the belt contact portion for stopping the V-belt. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The modular structure enables versatility without requiring a complex integrated design.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pulley stopper according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a clamp portion that includes a bar-shaped upper clamp and a bar-shaped lower clamp; and fasteners that are respectively disposed at opposite ends of the clamp portion to couple the upper clamp and the lower clamp, wherein the fasteners and the clamp portion are coupled by using a clip-type method, and thus the upper clamp and the lower clamp are fixed side by side through the coupling of the fastener such that movement of a belt disposed between the upper clamp and the lower clamp is stopped.