Elastic Cable Guide Articulation for Lubrication-Free Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supporting and guiding devices for vehicle hauling cables, such as balancing arms, face challenges with maintenance due to the need for lubrication of rolling bearings and potential wear of plain bearings, especially in difficult-to-access locations and extreme conditions.
Innovation Solution
An articulation system with a first and second frame, where at least one elastic element allows pivoting movement and has a variable outer diameter that can decrease for easy introduction into an orifice, eliminating the need for lubrication and facilitating installation without modifying the orifice diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rolling bearings are used for articulation, then the articulation allows smooth pivoting movement, but the bearings require lubrication which is difficult to perform on high or difficult-to-access balancing arms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rolling bearings (mechanical system requiring lubrication) with a rubber element that provides pivoting movement through elastic deformation. The rubber element is mounted on the axis and allows rotation relative to the support without any lubrication requirements, eliminating the maintenance issue while preserving the smooth movement function.
2Device complexity
If plain bearings are used for articulation, then the articulation structure is simple, but the bearings wear easily when placed in wrong positions or under extreme environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a rigid axis (metal) with an elastic rubber element. The rubber element is mounted on the axis and provides both the articulation function and wear resistance. This composite approach maintains structural simplicity while significantly improving reliability under extreme conditions and incorrect positioning.
3Reliability
If a rubber element is mounted by adhesion around an axis to create a robust articulation, then the articulation is more robust and wears less easily, but the introduction of the articulation into the orifice becomes difficult due to elastic deformation constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the outer diameter of the articulation variable through the elastic properties of the rubber element. During installation, the rubber can be compressed to reduce the outer diameter, allowing easy introduction into the orifice. Once installed, the rubber returns to its original shape, providing the desired robustness and wear resistance. This dynamic adaptation resolves the installation difficulty while maintaining operational reliability.
4Strength
If the outer diameter of the articulation is greater than or equal to the inner diameter of the orifice, then the articulation provides sufficient structural strength, but the articulation cannot be easily introduced into the orifice without modifying the orifice diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the outer diameter parameter of the articulation dynamically using the elastic properties of the rubber element. During installation, the outer diameter is temporarily reduced by compressing the rubber, allowing easy introduction into the orifice. After installation, the rubber rebounds to its original dimensions, providing sufficient structural strength. This parameter change resolves both the strength requirement and installation ease requirement.
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 articulation system is robust, requires minimal maintenance, and can be easily placed, providing reliable support and guidance for hauling cables while reducing wear and maintenance complexities.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic element placed between the first and second frames and adapted to allow a pivoting movement of the first frame relative to the carrying structure
Implementation Method 2
the articulation has a variable outer diameter able to decrease when the articulation is introduced into the orifice
Data Source
AI summary
Articulation for a supporting and guiding device for a vehicle hauling cable of a transport installation, including a first frame adapted to be attached to a support carrying a rotary roller intended to be in contact with the hauling cable, a second frame adapted to be introduced into an orifice formed within a carrying structure of the device, and at least one elastic element placed between the first and second frames and adapted to allow a pivoting movement of the first frame relative to the carrying structure, the articulation having a variable outer diameter able to decrease when the articulation is introduced into the orifice.