Longitudinal Conveyor Mechanical Coupling for Cable-Free Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport devices for moving objects in storage racks face issues with complex and sensitive electrical energy and data transmission, leading to cable failure and increased weight due to cable routing and guide systems.
Innovation Solution
A transport device with a mechanical coupling mechanism using teethed shafts for torque transmission between the drive and driver, eliminating the need for electrical connections and allowing the drive to be located on the base, reducing weight and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical energy and data are transmitted via cable connection from base to driver, then the driver can be operated and monitored, but the cable undergoes frequent bending cycles leading to early failure and requires complex guide systems that increase device weight and restrict movement freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the drive mechanism from the moving driver and relocates it to the stationary base. The drive unit remains fixed on the base while the driver moves independently, eliminating the need for flexible cable connections and complex guide systems. This separation allows the driver to move freely without being constrained by cable routing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical coupling mechanism consisting of two shafts with teeth that can move relative to each other along the longitudinal direction. This intermediary mechanism transmits rotational movement from the stationary drive to the moving driver through direct mechanical engagement, eliminating the need for electrical cable connections while maintaining reliable power and motion transmission.
2Ease of operation
If cable connections and guide systems are provided for driver operation, then electrical energy and data transmission are enabled, but the device weight increases and freedom of movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit is extracted from the moving driver and placed on the stationary base. This eliminates the weight of cables, connectors, and guide systems from the moving components, significantly reducing the overall device weight while maintaining full operational control of the driver through the mechanical coupling mechanism.
3Productivity
If the drive is located on the driver, then direct actuation is achieved, but frequent retraction and extension of telescopic arms causes cable bending cycles leading to early failure
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit is taken out from the driver and relocated to the base. This allows the driver to be actuated through the mechanical coupling mechanism without requiring any cable connections, eliminating cable bending cycles entirely while maintaining rapid actuation response through direct mechanical engagement of the toothed shafts.
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 results in a lighter, more reliable, and less error-prone device with reduced operating times and increased movement speed, as the mechanical coupling is more resistant to fatigue and eliminates the need for cable routing.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical coupling mechanism between the first drive and the driver, which has at least two shafts (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) provided with teeth, which can be moved relative to one another along the longitudinal direction, the shafts being in engagement with one another via the teeth, so that a rotary movement of the first drive with the pivoting movement of the driver is coupled
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for moving an object (14) along a longitudinal direction at least between a first position and a second position, comprising a base, an arm (13), which is arranged on the base, a driver (1), which can be moved along the longitudinal direction by the arm (14), wherein the driver (1) can be pivoted relative to the arm (13) and transferred by a pivoting movement between an engagement position (X2) and a release position (X1), and a first drive (8) for transferring the driver (1), wherein the first drive (8) is operatively connected to the driver (1) via a coupling mechanism, wherein the coupling mechanism has at least two shafts (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) which are provided with teeth and can be displaced relative to one another along the longitudinal direction, wherein the shafts (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) engage with one another via the teeth, and therefore a rotary movement of the first drive (8) is coupled to the pivoting movement of the driver (1).