Doctor Rod Coupling with Form-Locking Quick Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplings for connecting metering rods to drives in film presses are complex and time-consuming to detach due to contamination, leading to extended downtimes.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with a receiving opening and a radially adjacent recess for a form-locking element that allows tool-free axial fixation and release of the rod, using a force-loaded form-locking element to secure against axial displacement and facilitate easy attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional coupling arrangement is used to connect the metering rod to the drive, then the connection can be detached for rod replacement, but the loosening and closing process becomes complex and time-consuming due to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is segmented into distinct functional elements: a receiving opening for torque transmission and a separate recess for axial fixation. This segmentation allows the form-locking element to independently secure the connecting element axially while the receiving opening handles rotational torque, enabling simplified detachment by releasing just the form-locking element without complex multi-step coupling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The form-locking element is extracted as a separate, movable component from the main coupling structure. It can be independently actuated to release the connecting element, allowing rod replacement without manipulating the entire coupling arrangement. This extraction simplifies the detachment process to a single actionable step.
2Reliability
If a form-locking element is used to axially fix the connecting element, then axial securing is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to the additional movable component
Solution Approach 1:
The form-locking element is merged with the receiving opening structure, where the recess is formed as an integral part of the connecting device body. This integration reduces the need for separate housing structures and minimizes the number of discrete components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable axial securing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The form-locking element is designed to be force-loaded and movable under its own spring force or applied force, automatically engaging with the connecting element when inserted and requiring only simple actuation for release. This self-service design eliminates the need for complex actuation mechanisms, motors, or additional control systems, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable axial fixation.
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
Enables quick and tool-free exchange of metering rods, reducing downtime and simplifying the process of connecting and disconnecting rods to drives.
Implementation Method 1
a force-loaded form-locking element of the connecting device engages in the receiving opening, whereby the connecting element can be axially fixed
Implementation Method 2
the form-locking element is movable relative to the connecting device, in particular relative to the receiving opening, in order to move the form-locking element out of the receiving opening
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting unit (11) for connecting a drive device to a rod (30), in particular to a doctor rod, the connecting unit (11) having a receiving opening (12) which is designed to axially receive a connecting element (31) arranged on a rod (30), in order to transmit a torque, and the connecting unit (11) having a recess (13) which is radially adjacent to the receiving opening (12) and by which a force-applied interlocking element (14) of the connecting unit (11) engages in the receiving opening (12), as a result of which the connecting element (31) can be fixed axially.