Eccentric Connecting Rod Bearing Assembly for Ram Range Adjustment

Solution Overview

Problem

In bodymakers, adjusting the range of the ram body without decoupling substantial components is a time-consuming process, requiring extended downtime and often necessitating new parts if bearings are damaged during removal of the connection rod coupling assembly shaft.

Innovation Solution

A connection rod coupling assembly with a settable shape mounting system, including a bearing assembly with an offset center axis, allows for adjustable positioning of the bearing assembly relative to the settable shape mounting components, enabling adjustment of the ram assembly's range without removing the connection rod coupling assembly shaft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the connection rod coupling assembly shaft is removed to adjust the ram body range, then the range adjustment can be made, but the downtime increases and new parts may be needed if bearings are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange adjustment capabilityVSAvoiddowntime

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the bearing assembly position adjustable rather than fixed. The bearing assembly can be repositioned along the connection rod coupling assembly shaft without removing the shaft itself, allowing dynamic adjustment of the ram body range. This resolves the contradiction by enabling range adjustment (improving adaptability) while keeping the shaft in place (reducing downtime and avoiding the need for new parts if bearings are damaged).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connection rod coupling assembly into separable components: the shaft, the bearing assembly, and mounting components. This allows the bearing assembly to be independently repositioned along the shaft without removing the entire shaft assembly. This resolves the contradiction by enabling range adjustment through component repositioning (improving adaptability) while maintaining the shaft connection (reducing downtime).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the connection rod coupling assembly shaft is removed to adjust the ram body range, then the range adjustment can be made, but new parts are needed if bearings are damaged during removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange adjustment capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the bearing assembly position adjustable rather than fixed. The bearing assembly can be repositioned along the connection rod coupling assembly shaft without removing the shaft itself, allowing dynamic adjustment of the ram body range. This resolves the contradiction by enabling range adjustment (improving adaptability) while keeping the shaft in place (reducing downtime and avoiding the need for new parts if bearings are damaged).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the discarding and recovering principle by allowing the bearing assembly to be recovered and reused on the same shaft after repositioning. Instead of discarding (replacing) the entire shaft assembly when range adjustment is needed, the bearing assembly can be moved to a new position on the existing shaft. This resolves the contradiction by enabling range adjustment (improving adaptability) while recovering and reusing existing parts (reducing maintenance costs).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 downtime and eliminates the need for new parts by allowing for range adjustments within the existing assembly, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

A connection rod coupling assembly with a settable shape mounting system, including a bearing assembly with an offset center axis, allows for adjustable positioning of the bearing assembly relative to the settable shape mounting components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEccentric: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentUS11583912B2Eccentric second connecting rod subassembly

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 STOLLE MACHINERY CO LLC

AI summary

A connection rod coupling assembly includes a settable shape mounting second component having a lateral, primary axis and a bearing assembly including a bearing assembly body. The bearing assembly body includes a substantially cylindrical outer surface and a center axis. The bearing assembly body is coupled to the settable shape mounting second component in a non-aligned configuration. That is, the bearing assembly body center axis is offset from the settable shape mounting second component primary axis. Thus, the position of the bearing assembly body center axis is adjustable by repositioning the settable shape mounting second component relative to a settable shape mounting first component on a swing lever. The adjustment of the bearing assembly body, in turn, adjusts the range of the ram assembly and the ram assembly body.