Folding Mechanism With Actuator Support Strut
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding mechanisms for aggregate processing apparatus, such as hopper flares, require manual locking to maintain components in desired orientations, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A folding mechanism featuring a support strut that automatically locks the pivot support in its deployed position using an actuator, allowing the strut to transition between locked and unlocked states, enabling the pivot support to move between deployed and folded positions without manual intervention, utilizing a kite quadrilateral configuration and over-center mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual locking is used to maintain foldable components in deployed position, then the component can be securely held, but labor intensity and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism automatically maintains the foldable component in its deployed position through the support strut and actuator system, eliminating the need for manual locking operations. The mechanism self-regulates to keep the component secure without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical locking with an automated actuator system that uses controlled mechanical movement to achieve and maintain the deployed position, converting a manual operation into an automated mechanical process.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual locking is required for each folding operation, then positioning accuracy can be maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator automatically positions and locks the foldable component in the deployed position without manual intervention, maintaining positioning accuracy while eliminating the time required for manual locking operations, thereby increasing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is positioned and configured in advance to automatically perform the locking action when the foldable component reaches the deployed position, ensuring accurate positioning without requiring subsequent manual adjustment or locking.
3Device complexity
If a simple pivot mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain stable deployed position is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple segments including the support strut and actuator components, each performing a specific function. This segmentation allows the system to maintain stability through coordinated movement of discrete elements rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The support strut acts as an intermediary element between the foldable component and the fixed structure, providing the necessary mechanical linkage and stability. The actuator serves as another intermediary that controls the positioning, allowing the system to maintain stability without excessive complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A folding mechanism comprising a first support (20), a second support (22) pivotably coupled to the first support and an actuator (24) operable to pivot said second support relative to the first support about a first pivot axis (P) between a deployed position and a folded position. An elongate support strut (26) extends between the first and second supports, the support strut being adapted to permit movement of the second support about the first pivot axis when the support strut is in a first state. The support strut is adapted to retain the second support in the deployed position when the support strut is in a second state. The support strut is coupled to the actuator such that the support strut is reconfigured between its first and second states as the actuator is operated to pivot the second support between its folded and deployed positions.