Foot Lock Roller Assembly Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard foot lock assemblies for pivotable gangway devices experience significant wear over time and require frequent replacement.
Innovation Solution
A foot lock roller apparatus featuring a cylinder with a threaded first end and a smooth second end, separated by a collar, encased in a low-friction bushing and secured by a clip, along with a mounting plate and lock bar, which reduces wear by using a low-friction bushing and a secure attachment mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard foot lock assembly is used, then the device can be simply constructed, but it experiences significant wear over time and requires frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
A low-friction bushing is introduced as an intermediary component between the cylinder and the mounting plate. This bushing reduces direct metal-to-metal contact and friction, thereby minimizing wear on the foot lock assembly while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The bushing acts as a mediator that protects the primary components from excessive wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot lock assembly utilizes composite construction by combining different materials with complementary properties. The low-friction bushing is made from materials such as polymer composites or engineered plastics that provide low friction coefficients and wear resistance. This composite approach allows the assembly to achieve superior wear resistance without significantly increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If a secure attachment mechanism is implemented, then the cylinder remains firmly attached, but the assembly requires multiple components (bushing, sleeve, clip)
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a low-friction bushing for reduced wear, a cylindrical sleeve for structural support and alignment, and a clip for secure fastening. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while collectively providing reliable attachment. The modular nature also facilitates easier maintenance and replacement of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism incorporates dynamic elements that adapt to operational conditions. The low-friction bushing allows for controlled movement and reduces stress concentrations, while the clip design enables secure attachment that can accommodate thermal expansion and operational vibrations. This dynamic approach ensures reliable attachment without requiring an excessive number of rigid components.
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 design extends the life of the foot lock assembly by minimizing wear and ensuring secure attachment to the pivotable gangway device, allowing for efficient operation between raised and lowered positions.
Implementation Method 1
The second end is encased by a low-friction bushing
Data Source
AI summary
A foot lock roller assembly and apparatus is disclosed. The foot lock assembly preferably includes a cylinder, a mounting plate, and a lock bar that is particularly suitable for attachment to a device such as a gangway having a stationary base and a pivotable access. The cylinder is preferably attached to the pivotable access of the gangway by the mounting plate and includes a first and second sleeve and a clip for attaching the sleeves to the cylinder. The lock bar is preferably attached to the stationary base of the gangway. When the pivotable access of the gangway is raised the second sleeve of the cylinder is inserted into an opening in the lock bar and secures the gangway device in the raised position.