Container Tilting Control With Auto-Reverse Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice-making machines face issues with incorrect container alignment during assembly, leading to improper functioning, machine stoppages due to obstacles, and increased maintenance and production losses, while also posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A device with a motor member connected to a geared motor and a balance structure that includes springs and microswitches to ensure precise container positioning and automatic reversal upon encountering obstacles, preventing stoppages and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tab fixed on the shaft is used to control container positioning, then the container can be positioned in limit positions, but manual intervention is required to rectify incorrect alignment during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-adjustment of the tab position through the interaction between the cam profile and the limit switches. During operation, the cam automatically positions the tab correctly by engaging with the switches at the appropriate moments, eliminating the need for manual adjustment during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam profile is pre-designed with specific geometric features that automatically guide the tab to the correct position during the first operational cycle. The preliminary design of the cam geometry ensures proper alignment is achieved automatically upon initial operation, rather than requiring pre-adjustment.
2Ease of operation
If a tab is used to control container positioning, then the container can be positioned in limit positions, but the machine stops when the container meets an obstacle during tilting
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static tab position to a dynamic cam-based positioning system. The cam profile allows the container to move through its tilting range while automatically adjusting the tab position, and the limit switches are designed to detect obstacles and trigger a reverse operation, enabling the system to adapt dynamically to operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The limit switches provide feedback about the container's position and any obstacles encountered. When an obstacle is detected during tilting, the switches send a signal to reverse the motor operation, allowing the container to return to its starting position and resume operation, thus maintaining continuous production.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual intervention with pliers is required to rectify the tab, then correct alignment can be achieved, but maintenance costs and production losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs its own alignment function through the automatic interaction between the cam profile and limit switches during operation. This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention with tools, thereby reducing maintenance requirements and preventing production stoppages.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam profile is pre-engineered with geometric features that automatically establish correct tab alignment during the first operational cycle. This preliminary design feature ensures proper positioning is achieved automatically, eliminating the need for subsequent manual adjustments and maintaining continuous production.
4Measurement precision
If the container locks itself when meeting an obstacle, then positioning control is maintained, but the machine stops and requires manual intervention to resume
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic limit switches that can detect obstacles and trigger a reverse operation. Instead of rigid locking, the switches allow the system to respond dynamically to obstacles by reversing the motor, enabling the container to return to its starting position and continue operation without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The limit switches provide continuous feedback about the container's position and any obstacles encountered. When an obstacle is detected, the feedback signal triggers an automatic reverse operation, allowing the system to maintain position control while avoiding stoppages and enabling continuous operation.
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
Ensures correct rotation and positioning of the container, prevents machine stoppages, enhances user safety, and reduces maintenance costs by eliminating the need for manual adjustments, while allowing for easy assembly and increased operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a first mechanical check means, spring-loaded with respect to the support surface, for detecting when the container comes into abutment on a limit member
Implementation Method 2
a balance structure, fixed on the support surface and secured to the motor member
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4a
Figure 4b~5c
AI summary
A device (1, 101) for controlling the tilting of a container (4, 104) seated on a fixed frame (20, 120) of a machine, comprising a motor member (2) having a first shaft (7) mechanically connected to a second shaft (9) rigidly connected to the container (4, 104), and with which the container rotates for tilting, has a first (12, 112) and a second (60, 160) mechanical check means, respectively for stopping the rotation of the second shaft (9) rigid with the container (4, 104) both in the tilting direction and in the opposite direction, and a balance structure (30, 130), rigidly connected to the motor member (2) and rotatable therewith, which structure in turn comprises a right-angle structure (38), loading members (70, 71, 72, 170, 171) associated with it and sensitive to its movement, and means for reversing and for stopping the rotation of said motor member (2).