Hook-Locked C-Shaped Pulley Structure for Radial Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pulley devices for tensioning idlers or runner rollers suffer from radial deformation under heavy loads and early wear of belts due to inadequate rigidity and vibration damping.
Innovation Solution
A pulley device with a C-shaped design, comprising a rotatable outer ring and a fixed inner ring, featuring two integral pulley parts with hook-shaped portions that securely attach to each other, and a rolling bearing with radially interposed balls to enhance rigidity and support the belt or chain efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional pulley design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the pulley deforms radially under heavy loads and allows early belt wear
Solution Approach 1:
The pulley is divided into two separate C-shaped pulley parts that are assembled together, allowing each part to be manufactured separately with optimized geometry for rigidity while maintaining ease of manufacturing. The segmentation enables the formation of hook-shaped portions that interlock to provide radial support.
Solution Approach 2:
One C-shaped pulley part is positioned inside the other, with the inner pulley part nested within the outer pulley part. The hook-shaped portions of one part engage with corresponding portions of the other part, creating a nested configuration that enhances radial rigidity while maintaining a compact structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the pulley is tightly fixed to the bearing, then the pulley position is stable, but the pulley cannot accommodate axial movement during service and may cause early wear
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the pulley and bearing is made dynamic rather than rigid. The C-shaped pulley parts with hook-shaped portions allow controlled axial movement and self-adjustment during service, enabling the pulley to accommodate thermal expansion and load variations while maintaining stable radial positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial position of the pulley relative to the bearing is allowed to change within certain limits during service. The hook-shaped connection mechanism permits parameter changes in axial position while maintaining stable radial positioning, adapting to service conditions without causing early wear.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a damping ring is added to the pulley, then vibration damping is improved, but the device complexity increases and radial deformation is not fully prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The structural rigidity function and vibration damping function are merged into the pulley parts themselves. The C-shaped geometry with hook-shaped portions provides both radial support to prevent deformation and inherent vibration damping through the flexible connection, eliminating the need for a separate damping ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulley parts are formed from stamped metal sheets, creating a composite structure that combines the rigidity of metal with the flexibility of the stamped C-shaped geometry. This composite approach provides both structural support and vibration damping without additional 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 pulley device provides improved rigidity and efficient belt support, reducing radial deformation and wear, while maintaining easy installation and effective vibration damping.
Implementation Method 1
a rolling bearing with radially interposed balls
Implementation Method 2
both free ends of outer portions of pulley parts comprise each a hook-shaped portion, one hook-shaped portion axially overlapping the other hook-shaped portion, the hook-shaped portions being of corresponding shapes and in cooperation to attach the outer portions one to the other
Data Source
AI summary
The pulley device provides a pulley and a bearing. The pulley has two C-shaped pulley parts having each an inner portion mounted on the bearing, an outer portion having an outer cylindrical surface dedicated to interact with a belt or a chain, and an intermediate portion extending substantially radially between axial ends of inner and outer portions on one axial side of pulley device. Free ends of outer portions each include a hook-shaped portion. A first one of the hook-shaped portions axially overlapping a second one of the hook-shaped portions. The hook-shaped portions configured to cooperate together in order to attach one outer portion to the other.