Drain Cleaning Machine Bracket for Tool-Free Drum Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing drain cleaning machines require numerous time-consuming and labor-intensive steps to replace drums and cable feed mechanisms, necessitating the use of multiple tools, which leads to delays and increased labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A drain cleaning apparatus featuring a bracket with a base and latch system that allows for the easy manual attachment and removal of both the drum and feed mechanism without requiring separate tools, utilizing a plunger pin mechanism for secure mounting and dismounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical fasteners and multiple separate mounting systems are used to secure the drum and feed mechanism, then the components can be securely mounted, but the replacement process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mounting of the drum and feed mechanism into a single integrated bracket assembly. The bracket includes a base with first and second bores that receive mounting pins for both the drum bearing and feed mechanism simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate mounting operations and reducing replacement time while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket serves multiple functions: it mounts both the drum and feed mechanism, provides structural support, and enables quick release through the plunger pin mechanism. The first and second bores in the base universally accommodate different mounting pins, allowing the same bracket structure to secure different components with a single design.
2Reliability
If multiple separate fastening systems are used for the drum and feed mechanism, then each component can be independently secured, but the complexity of the mounting system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drum mounting system and feed mechanism mounting system into a single bracket assembly with integrated bores and mounting pins. This consolidation reduces the number of separate fastening systems from two independent mechanisms to one unified system, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the ability to independently secure both components through the shared bracket.
3Reliability
If traditional mechanical fasteners are used, then the components can be securely attached, but separate tools are required for installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger pin mechanism enables self-service operation by allowing the operator to release the mounting pins through a simple camming action without requiring external tools. The lever applies force to the plunger pin, which in turn moves the mounting pins out of the bores through geometric conversion, making the system self-operating and eliminating the need for screwdrivers, wrenches, or other tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger pin acts as an intermediary mechanism between the lever and the mounting pins. When the lever is actuated, it transfers force through the plunger pin, which converts the rotational or lateral motion into linear displacement of the mounting pins, enabling tool-free operation while maintaining secure attachment during normal use.
4Ease of repair
If the feed mechanism must be removed to access the drum, then the drum can be replaced, but the number of steps and labor required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drum and feed mechanism into independently removable components that are both accessible through the same bracket interface. The drum can be removed by actuating the plunger pin mechanism without requiring removal of the feed mechanism, as both components are mounted on the same bracket with separate but accessible mounting pins. This segmentation allows direct access to the drum while maintaining the structural integration of the bracket system.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for securing multiple apparatus to a drain cleaning machine is described. The mechanism includes a bracket arranged on a frame of the drain cleaning machine. The bracket allows a drum and a feed mechanism to be removably secured to the frame. The bracket includes a base and pivotable latch. A drum bearing from the drum can be secured between the base and the latch when the latch is in a closed position. Mounting pins from the feed mechanism can be inserted into two bores in the bracket, and secured therein by plunger pins. One plunger pin is manually operated, to selectively lock the latch in the closed position, and to selectively secure one of the mounting pins in one of the bores. Another plunger pin is operated by pivoting of the latch, and functions to selectively secure the other mounting pin in the other bore.