Integrated Arm Motor for Granular Sampling Probe

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing grain sampling devices are bulky due to a separate ascent/descent motor that is not integrated with the arm, leading to increased part count, cost, and difficulty in hiding the motor, while also affecting the probe's penetration efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The ascent/descent motor is mounted integrally with the arm and its output shaft is locked in axial rotation, allowing it to oscillate parallel to the mast, reducing the number of parts and weight, and is protected by a casing aligned with the arm, enhancing aesthetics and penetration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the ascent/descent motor is mounted separately from the arm, then the motor can be positioned independently, but the device becomes bulky with increased part count and reduced aesthetics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor positioning independenceVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the ascent/descent motor directly onto the arm structure, merging two previously separate components into one unified assembly. This reduction in part count simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the motor's functional independence through its specific mounting configuration on the arm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the ascent/descent motor is mounted separately, then motor positioning is flexible, but the device requires more parts and assembly steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor positioning flexibilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the motor directly onto the arm as a unified assembly, the patent reduces the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This merging of components streamlines the manufacturing process and assembly steps while preserving the motor's positioning flexibility through its mounted configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the ascent/descent motor is not integrated with the arm, then the motor can be positioned independently, but the probe penetration efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor positioning independenceVSAvoidprobe penetration efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of the ascent/descent motor directly onto the arm creates a more compact and efficient configuration. This merging allows the motor's weight to be strategically positioned to facilitate probe penetration into the product, while the motor remains functionally independent through its specific mounting arrangement on the arm structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If the ascent/descent motor is mounted integrally with the arm, then the number of parts is reduced, but the motor must be protected and camouflaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of partsVSAvoidaesthetic treatment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the motor onto the arm and incorporates it within the existing arm casing structure. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate motor housings or aesthetic treatments, as the motor becomes part of the unified arm assembly that is already enclosed and protected by the existing casing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design reduces the number of parts, lowers costs, simplifies assembly, and improves the probe's penetration by distributing the motor's weight, while protecting and camouflaging the motor, resulting in a more efficient and aesthetically pleasing sampling device.

Implementation Method 1

the arm is provided for gravity sampling, or by coring, or by suction, the product thus sampled generally then being transported by suction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP1931963B1Device for sampling granular or powdered materials
Publication Date: 2009.11.11 TOUT POUR LE GRAIN
  • EP1931963B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP1931963B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for sampling granular or powdered materials, comprising a post (1) having at least one arm (2) articulated therewith, the free end of said arm bearing a sampling probe (3). The aforementioned arm is driven by a combination of two different motors (4, 5) which are each equipped with an output shaft. According to the invention, one (4) of the motors, known as the rotation motor, is mounted such that the output shaft thereof is (i) essentially parallel to the post and (ii) rotatbly connected to the arm, while the output shaft of the other motor (5), known as the up/down motor, is disposed in a plane that is essentially perpendicular to the post (1). The inventive device is characterised in that the up/down motor (5) is fixed solidly to the arm (2), while the output shaft thereof is mounted such that it cannot rotate axially in relation to the post. In this way, the up/down motor (5) can oscillate in a plane that is essentially parallel to the post, or pass through same, thereby driving the arm (2).