Horizontal Plug-in Connection for Depositor Component Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing depositor systems face challenges in easy and efficient conversion, maintenance, and component replacement due to laborious and costly installation and removal processes, with existing solutions compromising stability and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A depositor design featuring a modular structure with a horizontally aligned plug-in connection between the tank and casting arrangement, allowing for precise and stable attachment without support rails, enabling easy assembly and disassembly through a bolted connection that ensures secure positioning and easy access for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If components are bolted to the machine frame using conventional vertical connections, then the connection is stable and secure, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into separate insertion and locking phases. The component is first inserted through a guide opening, then secured by rotating a locking mechanism that engages with positioning elements. This segmentation allows quick insertion while maintaining secure connection through the separate locking action.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses a rotating motion to transform from an unlocked to a locked state. The rotational movement of the locking element engages with the positioning elements to secure the component, providing a dynamic and efficient connection method that is both quick to operate and reliable.
2Ease of operation
If support rails are used to hold components during assembly, then positioning is easier, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The component itself contains integrated guide elements and positioning features that work with the guide opening in the machine frame. The component's own geometry provides the positioning function, eliminating the need for separate support rails or external positioning devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function is extracted from separate support structures and integrated directly into the component design. The guide elements are built into the component, allowing it to self-position within the guide opening during assembly without requiring additional external positioning mechanisms.
3Ease of repair
If the connection allows easy removal for maintenance, then maintenance accessibility improves, but the connection stability and security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism provides a dynamic connection that can be quickly transformed from a secure locked state to an unlocked removable state. The rotating locking element maintains secure connection during operation but allows rapid release when needed, balancing connection security with maintenance accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional multi-bolt mechanical fastening system is replaced with a simplified locking mechanism that uses rotational motion to engage positioning elements. This substitution maintains connection security while dramatically improving the speed and ease of removal for maintenance operations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a depositing machine (1) comprising a removable component, to a method for inserting a component (10) in a machine frame (2) of a depositing machine, to a method for removing a component (10) from a machine frame (2) of a depositing machine (1), and to a kit for retrofitting a depositing machine (1). The component (10) is fastened to the machine frame (2) by means of a substantially horizontally arranged plug-in connection (11), in particular a bolt connection.