Expandable Cover Support Structure for Non-Parallel Shafts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support structures for expandable covers experience a reduction in movable range when the shafts are not installed in parallel, leading to uneven distances between them.
Innovation Solution
A support structure with at least two shafts extending in a first direction, where one end is fixed and the other end is connected via a deformable second connection member to a shaft support member, allowing for adjustment in relative position to maintain uniform distance and prevent reduction in movable range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the shafts are connected rigidly to the shaft support member, then the relative position between shaft and support member remains fixed, but the movable range of bushes is reduced when shafts are not installed in parallel
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the shaft and shaft support member is made dynamic rather than rigid. The second connection member allows relative movement between the shaft and support member, enabling the system to adapt when shafts are not perfectly parallel while maintaining operational range.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection characteristics are changed from fixed to variable. The second connection member permits changes in relative position parameters between the shaft and support member, allowing the system to compensate for installation misalignment.
2Manufacturing precision
If the shafts are installed in parallel, then the distance between shafts remains uniform, but installation precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure accommodates variations in shaft alignment through the second connection member's ability to allow relative movement, reducing the stringency of parallel installation requirements while maintaining uniform distance between shafts.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system allows parameter changes in relative position between shaft and support member, enabling the system to maintain uniform shaft distances even when perfect parallel alignment is not achieved during installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the second connection member is made deformable, then the relative position between shaft and support member can be adjusted, but the connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second connection member is designed as a dynamic element that can deform or move relative to the shaft and support member, providing position adjustment capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall connection structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable second connection member enables parameter changes in the connection geometry, allowing the system to adapt to non-parallel shaft installations without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
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 ensures that the movable range of the bushes is maintained even when the shafts are not parallel, by allowing the second connection member to deform and adjust the distance between the shafts, thus preventing hindrance to the sliding operation.
Implementation Method 1
a second connection member configured to connect another end of each of the at least two shafts to the shaft support member in a manner that the relative position between the shaft and the shaft support member is changeable
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure includes: a support frame as a shaft support member for supporting two shafts; a bush provided on each of the two shafts in a slidable manner; a cover support member connected to the multiple bushes and configured to support the cover; a first connection member for connecting one end of each of the two shafts to the support frame in a manner that the relative position between the shaft and the support frame will not change; and a second connection member for connecting the other end of each of the two shafts to the support frame in a manner that the relative position between the shaft and the support frame can change.