Covering Device Coupling Wheel Profile for Machine Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing covering devices for machine openings have complex and unreliable coupling mechanisms, particularly for large covering strokes, which can lead to malfunctions and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A covering device with a coupling mechanism using at least one coupling wheel with a peripheral profile that engages with a counter-profile on the cover element, replacing the traditional endless coupling element, allowing for simpler and more reliable operation across varying covering strokes by lengthening the counter-profile along the direction of movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If an endless coupling element (chain) is used to couple the winding body and shaft for large covering strokes, then the covering stroke can be increased, but the structure becomes complicated and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the endless coupling element (chain) from the coupling mechanism. Instead of using a chain that spans the entire covering stroke, the invention uses a gear wheel with teeth that engages directly with the cover element, removing the need for the complex endless coupling element while maintaining the coupling function throughout the covering stroke
Solution Approach 2:
The gear wheel acts as an intermediary between the shaft and the cover element. The gear wheel with its peripheral teeth profile provides a direct engagement mechanism that couples the rotational movement of the shaft with the linear movement of the cover element, eliminating the need for the endless chain coupling element
2Length of moving object
If an endless coupling element is used for large covering strokes, then the covering stroke is extended, but malfunctions occur and reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the endless coupling element (chain) that causes malfunctions and reliability issues. The direct gear engagement between the gear wheel teeth and the cover element eliminates the problematic chain coupling, providing a more reliable connection that can handle large covering strokes without the malfunctions associated with endless coupling elements
3Length of moving object
If a complex coupling mechanism with endless coupling element is used, then large covering strokes are achieved, but the structure becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the endless coupling element from the system and replaces it with a simpler gear wheel mechanism. The gear wheel with peripheral teeth engages directly with the cover element, providing the necessary coupling function for large covering strokes without the complexity of an endless chain coupling mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a chain to couple the shaft and winding body, the patent inverts the approach by having the gear wheel teeth directly engage with the cover element. This reversal of the coupling approach simplifies the structure while maintaining the ability to achieve large covering strokes
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 robust and reliable mechanism for covering and opening machine openings, maintaining constant prestressing force and preventing fatigue, with the ability to handle large covering strokes without compromising reliability, and allows for easy adaptation to different stroke lengths.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (18) arranged in the interior space (12) in order to generate a prestressing force (F) acting on the winding body (8)
Data Source
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AI summary
A covering device (1) for openings (7) comprises a winding unit with a shaft (13) and a winding body, which are rotatable relative to each other about a rotational axis (5). A spring element is pre-tensioned between the shaft (13) and the winding body, the spring element being supported at one spring end on the winding body and at the other spring end on the shaft (13). A covering element (6) serves to cover an opening (7). This covering element can be wound onto the winding body to open the opening (7) and unwound from the winding body to cover the opening (7). A coupling mechanism (26) is provided to couple a movement of the covering element (6) with a rotational movement of the shaft (13). This coupling mechanism has at least one coupling wheel (35) coupled to the shaft (13). The at least one coupling wheel (35) has a profile (37) that engages with a counter-profile (39) arranged on the covering element (6).