Conveyance Device External Guide Wheels Z-Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conveyance devices with complex structures, such as those with guide rollers inside the support column, face difficulties in accessibility during assembly and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

The conveyance device features a lifting mechanism where the first and second wheels roll on the rear and front surfaces of the support column, respectively, forming a Z-shaped structure that simplifies the design and improves accessibility, while also enhancing stability and force distribution through diagonal linking of components and the use of a compact gear-driven system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If guide rollers are arranged inside the support column, then the structure is compact, but the structure becomes complex and accessibility during assembly and maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompactnessVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing guide rollers inside the support column as in conventional designs, this patent inverts the arrangement by placing the first and second wheels outside the support column. The first wheel rolls on the rear surface and the second wheel rolls on the front surface of the support column, making them externally accessible while maintaining functional equivalence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a conventional internal arrangement to an external arrangement by utilizing the external surfaces of the support column. The guide wheels are positioned to roll on the front and rear surfaces respectively, effectively using the external dimensional space of the support column structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If guide rollers are arranged inside the support column, then space is saved, but accessibility during assembly and maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidaccessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by placing guide wheels outside the support column rather than inside. This allows maintenance personnel to easily access and service the wheels from the exterior, while the support column structure remains compact and efficient in space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If wheels are arranged outside the support column, then accessibility is improved, but structural stability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating asymmetric positioning of the guide wheels relative to the support column. The first wheel is positioned at the rear and the second wheel at the front, with each wheel serving specific local functions. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes both accessibility and structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The linking member is designed to extend diagonally and linearly to connect the upper and lower members in advance, establishing a predetermined Z-shaped structure that ensures structural stability before operation. This preliminary structural arrangement prevents instability that might arise from external wheel placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Force

If a Z-shaped structure is formed with diagonally linked members, then force distribution is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce distributionVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric design in the Z-shaped structure where the linking member extends diagonally and linearly to connect upper and lower members at different positions. This asymmetric arrangement creates optimal force distribution paths while maintaining structural efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The Z-shaped structure with diagonal linking is designed and assembled in advance during manufacturing, establishing the force distribution geometry before the device enters service. This preliminary structural configuration ensures optimal force distribution without requiring complex adjustments during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This configuration provides a maintainable and stable conveyance device with efficient force distribution and improved safety through inclination detection, maintaining a constant posture and enhancing structural strength.

Implementation Method 1

a first wheel which rolls on a rear surface of the support column and a second wheel which rolls on a front surface of the support column

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Implementation Method 2

the upper guide has a pair of third wheels which roll on the left and right surfaces of the support column, the lower guide has a pair of fourth wheels which roll on the left and right surfaces of the support column

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Implementation Method 3

The lifting device may be driven by a gear which is rotated by a motor affixed to the lifting device and a linear guide member which is affixed to the rear surface of the support column and which meshes with the gear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear meshing: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP3960659B1Conveyance device
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 MAKINO J CO LTD
  • EP3960659B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3960659B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3960659B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A conveyance device (100) comprises: a carriage (10); a support column (20); a lifting device (30) that moves in the vertical direction along the support column (20); and a load platform (90) that is moved in the vertical direction by the lifting device (30). The lifting device (30) includes an upper guide (40), a lower guide (50), and a linking member (60) for linking an upper member (41) and a lower member (51) together. The upper guide (40) includes: a first wheel (42) that rolls on a rear surface (22) of the support column (20); and the upper member (41) which supports the first wheel (42). The lower guide (50) includes: a second wheel (52) that rolls on a front surface (21) of the support column (20); and the lower member (51) which supports the second wheel (52), the lower guide being disposed below the upper guide (40). The load platform (90) is disposed in front of the second wheel (52), and is linked to front side and rear side portions of the linking member (60).