Indicator Rotary Members Guide Rail Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of existing centerless meter configurations, which support a pointer on a guide rail with multiple gears, leads to instability due to production tolerance variations in the inter-axis space between rotary members and the guide rail, causing the pointer to move unstably.
Innovation Solution
A simplified indicator design featuring a guide rail with pivotally supported rotary members and an elastic member to adjust the inter-axis space, ensuring stable pointer movement by assembling support members to slide and press against the guide rail, with features like grooves and sloping surfaces to prevent derailment and offset correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple gears are supported within the guide rail to mesh with a rack on the pointer, then the pointer can be moved along the scale, but the configuration becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex gear meshing mechanism and replaces it with a simplified rotary member system. Instead of using multiple gears and a rack, the invention uses rotary members that directly engage with the guide rail through friction or simple mechanical contact, eliminating the need for precise gear meshing while maintaining the pointer movement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical gear system with an alternative mechanism using rotary members. The rotary members rotate about axes and engage with the guide rail in a simpler manner, substituting the complex gear-rack mechanism with a more straightforward rotational engagement system that reduces overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If the inter-axis space between rotary members is fixed to match the guide rail size, then the pointer can be supported on the guide rail, but production tolerance variations cause unstable pointer movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the inter-axis space between rotary members adjustable rather than fixed. The support members are designed to slide relative to each other in the inter-axis direction, allowing the spacing to dynamically adapt to variations in guide rail dimensions due to production tolerances. This dynamic adjustment ensures stable pointer movement despite manufacturing variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of inter-axis space from a fixed value to an adjustable range. By allowing the support members to slide and adjust the spacing between rotary members, the system can accommodate a range of guide rail sizes within production tolerances, ensuring reliable pointer movement without requiring high manufacturing precision.
3Reliability
If the inter-axis space between rotary members is reduced to accommodate guide rail variations, then the pointer can be supported, but the rotary members may derail from the guide rail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic adjustment mechanisms where support members can slide to adjust the inter-axis space. This allows the system to optimize the spacing for stable pointer support while maintaining the ability to recover from potential derailment conditions, balancing support stability with positional stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates design features that prevent derailment before it occurs. By allowing controlled adjustment of the inter-axis space and designing the support members with sliding capability, the system creates a cushioning effect that accommodates variations without leading to derailment, ensuring both support stability and positional stability.
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
This configuration simplifies the indicator's structure and ensures stable pointer movement along the scale, accommodating production tolerances and preventing zigzag running, thereby maintaining the indicator's appearance and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member for biasing the first support member and the second support member in a direction to reduce an inter-axis space therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an indicator in which a moving member 9 on which a pointer 21 is installed is caused to run on a guide rail 1 formed along a scale formed on a dial, characterized in that the moving member 9 comprises a first support member 11 for pivotally supporting a plurality of pulleys 17 which are arranged along the guide rail 1 and a second support member 13 for pivotally supporting at least a pulley 17, and in that the plurality of pulleys 17 pivotally supported on the first support member 11 and the pulley 17 pivotally supported on the second support member 13 hold the guide rail 1 therebetween and the first support member 11 and the second support member 13 are assembled to each other so as to slide in an inter-axis direction of the plurality of pulleys 17 which are pivotally supported on the first support member 11 and the pulley 17 which is pivotally supported on the second support member 13, the indicator having further a spring member 15 for biasing the first support member 11 and the second support member 13 in a direction to reduce an inter-axis space therebetween.