Detachable Plastic Closing Element for Roller Arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing U-shaped, downwardly open upper roller support and loading arm of spinning machines has limitations in exchanging the closing element, leading to sharp edges that attract fibers and potential injuries, and thin-walled components pose safety risks.

Innovation Solution

A detachable plastic closing element with positive locking that allows for interchangeable devices, providing stability without the need for complex stiffening or permanent fastening, reducing the risk of injury and fiber adhesion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the closing element is permanently fixed using riveting or welding, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the adaptability and ease of replacement are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The closing element is designed as a separate, detachable component that can be independently replaced. The mounting plate is segmented from the carrier arm structure, allowing the closing element to be exchanged without affecting the main structure. This segmentation enables both structural integrity through proper connection and adaptability through easy replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between the closing element and carrier arm transitions from static permanent fixation (riveting/welding) to a dynamic, reversible connection. The mounting plate can be attached and detached as needed, providing structural strength when mounted while maintaining adaptability for future replacements or modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the closing element is permanently fixed using riveting, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of operation and safety are worsened due to sharp edges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The closing element is designed with rounded contours and curved surfaces instead of sharp edges. The mounting plate features smooth, continuous surfaces that eliminate hazardous sharp edges while maintaining structural stability. This curvilinear design provides both safety for operators and sufficient structural rigidity for operational stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional devices are permanently integrated into the carrier, then the functional completeness is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional completenessVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting plate is designed as a universal base structure that can accommodate multiple different additional devices through standardized mounting interfaces. Instead of integrating specific devices permanently, the mounting plate provides multi-functional capability by supporting various cleaners, loading devices, or other accessories that can be attached and removed as needed, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functional completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If the closing element is made of sheet metal, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the safety and ease of operation are worsened due to thin-walled structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing precisionVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The closing element is constructed from composite materials, specifically a mounting plate made of fiber-reinforced plastic (such as glass fiber reinforced polyamide). This composite material provides both the manufacturing precision and structural integrity of metal while eliminating the safety hazards of thin-walled sheet metal. The composite structure offers high strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to fiber adhesion while maintaining dimensional accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 enables easy replacement and variable design of the closing element, enhancing the functional flexibility and safety of the upper roller support and loading arm by eliminating sharp edges and reducing manufacturing complexity.

Implementation Method 1

The closing element made of plastic is slid onto the upper roller support and loading arm and detachably connected by positive locking

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPositive locking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

The form-fitting connection stabilizes the top roller support and loading arm, avoiding the need for stiffening of the top roller support and loading arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForm-fitting connection: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP2151513B1Upper cylinder carrying and load arm
Publication Date: 2014.04.30 SAURER COMPONENTS GMBH
  • EP2151513B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2151513B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2151513B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The downward open upper rolling-carrying and loading arm has a stretching unit, which is supported at an end over the supports on a holding bar. A locking element is arranged at the front side of the upper rolling-carrying and loading arm. A closure element (1), which is made of plastic, is detachably connected by form-fit connection with the upper rolling-carrying and loading arm. The closure element is formed for demountable receptacle of auxiliary units.