Detachable Flyer Bow System Using Friction Wedge
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for securing flyer bows to wire twisting machines are time-consuming, cumbersome, and prone to errors, requiring multiple workers and risking injury due to the use of fasteners, which can lead to costly downtime and increased labor costs when replacing or maintaining these components.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a base with a longitudinal recess and an end block that slidably engages with the base, allowing for cooperative wedging and reduced stress concentrations, along with an optional stop to prevent backward movement, facilitates easier attachment and detachment of flyer bows by minimizing the need for simultaneous alignment and straightening during replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fasteners are used to secure the flyer bow to the wheel, then the flyer bow can be held in place during operation, but the replacement process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple workers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the fasteners (nuts, bolts, screws) from the securing mechanism. Instead of using traditional fasteners, the end block is directly secured to the wheel through a friction-fit interface where the outer diameter of the end block engages with the inner diameter of the wheel, allowing quick removal and installation without any fastening components.
Solution Approach 2:
The end block and wheel interface is designed to be self-securing through friction and geometric engagement. The tapered or friction-fit interface allows the components to hold each other in place through their own geometry and friction forces, eliminating the need for external fasteners or additional securing mechanisms.
2Strength
If fasteners are used to secure the flyer bow, then the connection is strong, but the replacement process becomes cumbersome and increases risk of injury
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes all fasteners and tooling requirements from the replacement process. The end block simply slides onto the wheel and secures through friction fit, allowing a single worker to perform the replacement without tools, reducing both complexity and safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical fastening system (threads, nuts, bolts, wrenches) with a friction-based geometric fit system. This substitution eliminates the need for threading operations, tool usage, and complex manual manipulation, significantly improving ease of operation.
3Strength
If traditional fastening methods are used, then the flyer bow can be secured, but foreign objects such as stray fasteners may be left inside the machine causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention completely removes fasteners from the system, eliminating the source of foreign objects. With no nuts, bolts, or screws involved in the securing process, there is no possibility of these components becoming stray foreign objects that could cause damage to the machine or injury to operators.
4Reliability
If multiple fasteners are used to secure the flyer bow, then the connection is reliable, but the replacement process requires multiple workers with strength and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the entire fastener system, reducing the multi-step, multi-worker process into a simple single-person operation. The friction-fit interface provides sufficient reliability without requiring multiple workers to simultaneously manipulate multiple fasteners.
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 solution reduces the time and labor required for flyer bow replacement, enhances safety by eliminating the risk of foreign objects causing damage, and decreases the likelihood of multiple flyer bow failures, thereby lowering operational costs and improving efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The end block may be disposed to cooperatively wedge within the longitudinal recess
Implementation Method 2
The end block slidably engages with the base... allowing for cooperative wedging and reduced stress concentrations
Data Source
AI summary
A detachable flyer bow system, apparatus and methods of using the same are provided. The systems each comprise a base having a longitudinal recess with an inner lateral dimension that is greater than the outer lateral dimension and a front lateral dimension that is smaller than the rear lateral dimension, an end block attachable to the end of the flyer bow with a recess engagement portion to slidably engage the longitudinal recess of the base. The base may have an opening to allow at least a portion of the end block to clear the opening for the inward insertion of the end block into the base, or the outward removal of the end block from the base. Methods for securing a flyer bow to a wire twisting machine, methods of attaching a flyer bow to an end block, and flyer bows in combination with end blocks are also provided