Floating Direct Drive Sweep Assembly Vertical Float Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sweep assemblies face stress issues due to fixed vertical connections and require additional parts in floating designs to transfer power, which are inefficient and prone to wear.
Innovation Solution
A floating direct drive sweep assembly with a drive system connected to a sweep auger via a backboard and support members, using a central pivot section with elongated slots to allow vertical movement and reduce stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed vertical connection is used to connect the drive unit to the sweep auger, then structural stability is improved, but stress and wear increase due to uneven floor spots
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate is made movable relative to the central pivot section through elongated slots, allowing the drive system to float vertically. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to uneven floor surfaces, reducing stress and wear while maintaining operational stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a knuckle or u-joint is used to allow the sweep to float independently, then adaptability to uneven floors is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional parts
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate integrates multiple functions: it supports the drive system, provides vertical movement capability through elongated slots, and connects to both the central pivot section and the sweep auger. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate knuckles or u-joints, reducing part count while maintaining floating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate serves as a multi-functional component that combines structural support, movement accommodation, and power transmission features. The elongated slots provide both structural attachment and vertical floatation, while the drive shaft connection enables direct power transfer, replacing multiple specialized parts with a single universal component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional parts like knuckles are used to transfer power from drive to sweep, then floating capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate combines structural support, movement accommodation, and power transmission functions into a single component. The drive shaft connects directly to the sweep auger through this integrated plate, eliminating the need for separate knuckles or universal joints, thereby simplifying manufacturing and reducing assembly steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A sweep assembly having a drive system connected to a sweep auger and a backboard. The backboard is connected to support members that are also connected to a mounting plate. The mounting plate has flanges that are connected to pins. The pins are received in elongated slots that are part of a central pivot section.