Automated Fabric Hardware Loading Apparatus with Moveable Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual loading of fabric attachment hardware elements into a rotator holder apparatus is labor-intensive and inefficient, requiring human intervention and lacking automation.
Innovation Solution
An automated loading apparatus comprising a receiving member with moveable support members creating a channel for the attachment hardware element, and a loading arm that moves the element laterally towards the rotator holder, dislodging the support members to release the element for movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual loading is used, then the process is simple to implement, but labor intensity increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The loading apparatus is divided into distinct functional modules: a receiving member with support members to hold the attachment hardware element, and a loading arm to transfer it. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable support members automatically disengage when the loading arm applies lateral force, allowing the attachment hardware element to be released without additional mechanisms. The system uses the loading arm's movement itself to trigger the release, eliminating the need for separate release mechanisms.
2Extent of automation
If automated loading is implemented, then labor is reduced and efficiency increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are designed to be moveable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically respond to the loading arm's movement. This dynamic design enables automatic release of the attachment hardware element during the loading process, achieving automation with minimal additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading arm serves multiple functions: it laterally moves the attachment hardware element from the receiving member and simultaneously applies force to dislodge the moveable support members. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, keeping the automated system simple.
3Loss of time
If moveable support members are used, then the loading process is simplified and time is saved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable support members are pre-positioned to automatically disengage when lateral force is applied by the loading arm. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for additional release mechanisms or control steps, saving time while maintaining simplicity.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An automated loading apparatus 10 for loading a fabric attachment hardware element 1 to a rotator holder apparatus 34 for positioning the attachment hardware element 1 ready for attachment to a fabric. The attachment hardware element 1 has at least one opening 2 for securing the attachment hardware element 1 to the fabric. The loading apparatus comprises a receiving member 18 and a loading arm 30. The receiving member 18 includes support members 22a, 22b positioned relative to one another to create a channel 24 that receives and retains an attachment hardware element 1, wherein at least one of the support members 22a, 22b is a moveable support member 22b. The loading arm 30 is moveable laterally relative to the receiving member 18 and configured to, in use, contact the attachment hardware element 1 to move the attachment hardware element 1 towards a rotator holder apparatus 34, the loading arm 30 further configured to, upon its movement of the attachment hardware element 1 towards the rotator holder apparatus 34, contact the or each moveable support member 22b to dislodge the or each moveable support member 22b and release the attachment hardware element 1 from the channel 24 so as to permit movement of the attachment hardware element 1.