Doctor Rod Coupling With Spring Interlock for Fast Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices for doctor rods in film presses are cumbersome and time-consuming to detach and reattach, leading to prolonged downtimes due to contamination and wear, necessitating an improved method for secure and efficient connection and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A connecting unit with a receiving opening and radially adjacent recess that uses a force-applied interlocking element to securely hold a connecting element in place, allowing for axial securement and easy release without tools, featuring a spring element and designed geometries for torque transmission and contamination resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional coupling arrangements are used to connect doctor rod to drive, then torque transmission is achieved, but releasing and closing the coupling becomes time-consuming and expensive due to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting unit is divided into distinct functional elements: a receiving opening for torque transmission and a separate recess for the interlocking element. This segmentation allows the interlocking mechanism to be independently operated from the torque transmission function, enabling quick release without affecting the drive connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking element is designed as a movable component that can be actuated to transition between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic element allows for rapid release of the doctor rod by simply moving the interlocking element, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual coupling operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional connecting devices are used, then axial securement of the rod is achieved, but the releasing and closing process becomes cumbersome and requires tools
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking element is designed to be actuated manually without requiring external tools. The element can be released by direct manual operation, allowing maintenance personnel to quickly remove or replace doctor rods during contamination events or routine maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking element operates in a radial dimension, moving perpendicular to the axial direction of the doctor rod. This dimensional change allows the locking and unlocking actions to occur without axial movement, enabling tool-free operation while maintaining secure axial positioning during normal operation.
3Reliability
If conventional coupling mechanisms are used, then connection security is maintained, but contamination by coating medium increases operational complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking element is designed to be easily extractable from the receiving opening. When contamination occurs, the doctor rod can be quickly removed by actuating the interlocking element, allowing the contaminated component to be taken out and replaced without complicating the overall system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic interlocking element allows for rapid state changes between locked and unlocked positions. This enables quick response to contamination events, reducing operational complexity by allowing fast replacement of contaminated doctor rods without complex disassembly procedures.
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
Facilitates quick and tool-free axial insertion or withdrawal of doctor rods, reducing downtime and contamination risks while ensuring secure torque transmission and easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The interlocking element is firmly connected to the connecting unit at an initial position. At a free end, the interlocking element can be moved in relation to the connecting unit, in particular in relation to the receiving opening
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting unit for connecting a drive device to a rod includes: a receiving opening for axially receiving a connecting element arranged on the rod to transmit a torque; an interlocking element including a free end and further including or being configured as a spring element, which is a flexible spring; and a recess located radially adjacent to the receiving opening and by way of which the interlocking element engages in the receiving opening, with the result that the connecting element is axially securable thereby, the interlocking element at a first position being firmly connected with a portion of the connecting unit and at the free end is configured for moving relative to a portion of the connecting unit so as to move the interlocking element out of the receiving opening, with the result that a securement of the connecting element is releasable.