Flat Belt End Fixation via Meshing Teeth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fixing a flat belt to a coupler result in increased size and weight due to the need for a winding core, which limits downsizing and can lead to slipping issues, and require additional reinforcement that compromises the belt's strength.
Innovation Solution
A flat belt with projected portions on its end portions that engage with recessed portions on the coupler, allowing for secure fixation and adjustment of the belt's circumference, while using a thermoplastic urethane material for durability and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flat belt is wound around a winding core to prevent slipping, then the slipping is restricted, but the size and weight of the coupler are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the winding core from the system by using a flat belt end portion that is directly engaged with the coupler through meshing tooth portions. This removes the unnecessary component (winding core) while maintaining the slipping prevention function through the meshing engagement between the belt's tooth portions and the coupler's tooth portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The flat belt is segmented with projected tooth portions at its end portions, and the coupler is segmented with corresponding recessed tooth portions. This segmentation allows for direct meshing engagement without requiring a winding core, achieving both slipping prevention and size/weight reduction.
2Volume of moving object
If the winding core diameter is decreased to reduce size, then the space requirement is reduced, but the curvature of the flat belt is increased which requires smaller tension members and reduces belt strength
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the winding core entirely from the system, eliminating the need to compromise belt strength due to high curvature. The flat belt maintains its natural flat configuration while achieving secure fixation through the meshing tooth portions at the end portions with the coupler.
3Reliability
If a metal cover case with winding core is used to fix the flat belt, then the slipping is restricted through frictional force, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the metal cover case and winding core assembly, replacing it with a simplified coupler structure that has recessed tooth portions for direct meshing engagement with the flat belt's projected tooth portions. This maintains slipping restriction while dramatically reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler is designed with segmented recessed tooth portions that directly engage with the belt's projected tooth portions, eliminating the need for complex metal cover cases and winding cores. This segmentation approach achieves reliable slipping prevention with minimal structural complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1(A)~1(B)
Figure 2(A)~2(B)
Figure 3(A)~3(C)
AI summary
The present invention pertains to an open-end flat belt (10) which is secured by joints (31, 41). The flat belt (10) comprises a plurality of protruding sections (13) which are formed on both end sections (11, 12) of at least one surface of the flat belt (10) and engage with a plurality of recessed sections (33, 43) formed in the joints (31, 41).