Conduit Supporting Member Structure for Reduced Flexure Fatigue
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing conduit supporting devices for robot traveling devices in processing apparatuses face issues with material damage due to reciprocating motion, leading to impaired processing quality and potential contamination from dust.
Innovation Solution
A conduit supporting member with an elastic member and block members that can deform from a linear shape to a curved shape, featuring a flexure reduction unit to minimize flexure and ensure durability, with a specific distribution of fixed and semi-fixed regions to maintain curvature and prevent material fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the flexible material is used for a certain period or subjected to reciprocating motion of a certain number of times, then the supporting member can maintain flexibility and curvature, but the flexible material may be damaged leading to loss of supporting function and potential contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting member is divided into multiple independent block members (first block member, second block member, etc.) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows each block to independently accommodate reciprocating motion without subjecting the entire flexible material to cumulative stress, thereby extending service life while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The block members are designed to dynamically adjust their positions during reciprocating motion. The first block member moves in the first direction while the second block member moves in the second direction, creating a dynamic system that distributes mechanical stress and prevents material fatigue damage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the end surfaces of block members are separated to allow curving in one direction, then high flexibility and small bend radius are achieved, but mechanical noise and potential damage to flexible material increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the supporting member have different properties: the block members provide localized rigid support structures that constrain flexible material movement, while the spaces between blocks allow controlled flexibility. This local differentiation enables the system to achieve overall flexibility without the harmful effects of uncontrolled material deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The block members act as intermediary elements between the fixed supports and the flexible material. They mediate the transmission of forces and movements, distributing stresses evenly and preventing direct contact between opposing flexible material surfaces that would cause mechanical noise and damage.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the supporting member is designed with non-interlocking solids to limit bending in one direction, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and bend radius are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The block members are designed with asymmetric movement capabilities: they can move in specific directions (first block member in first direction, second block member in second direction) but are constrained in other directions. This asymmetric design provides structural stability in critical directions while maintaining flexibility in operational directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting member transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where block members can move independently. This dynamic capability allows the structure to adapt its stiffness characteristics based on operational requirements, providing stability when needed and flexibility when required.
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 solution provides a conduit supporting member with enhanced durability and reliability, reducing the risk of material damage and maintaining stable transmission characteristics, thus preventing contamination and ensuring high processing quality.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member having a first surface and extending in a first direction... the supporting member is deformable, from a first shape in which the end surfaces of the plurality of block members are in contact with each other, into a second shape in which the end surfaces of the plurality of block members are separated from each other and the supporting member is curved
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a supporting member having excellent durability and an apparatus including the supporting member. The supporting member includes an elastic member and a plurality of block members formed thereon. The supporting member is deformable from a shape in which end surfaces of the block members are in contact with each other to a shape in which the end surfaces are separated from each other. The elastic member includes a fixed region whose deformation is restricted by being fixed to a bottom surface of the block member, and the supporting member includes a flexure reduction unit for reducing flexure at a position near the fixed region of the elastic member.