Linked Skirt Cover Structure for Low-Wear Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing link aprons for covering openings, particularly machine openings, face issues with heavy loads causing wear and unreliable performance due to concentrated forces on single elements.
Innovation Solution
A sectional link apron design featuring coupling and guide elements that distribute loads, allowing coupling forces to act on coupling elements and guiding forces to act on guide elements separately, enabling a simple, reliable, and low-wear operation by arranging these elements on alternating links and incorporating hollow profiles for secure fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pin-like or bolt-like counter-profile elements are used to move and guide the covering device, then the covering device can be displaced, but the elements are exposed to heavy loads causing wear and unreliable performance
Solution Approach 1:
The covering device is divided into separate functional elements: coupling elements for force transmission and guide elements for guidance. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function, with coupling elements designed to handle heavy coupling forces and guide elements designed for low-wear guidance, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and wear resistance.
2Device complexity
If heavy loads are concentrated on single elements, then the structure can be simpler, but the elements experience excessive wear and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into coupling elements and guide elements that are distributed across multiple links. This segmentation allows loads to be distributed across multiple elements rather than concentrated on single elements, improving operational reliability while maintaining relatively simple individual component designs.
Solution Approach 2:
Different local qualities are assigned to different elements: coupling elements have properties optimized for force transmission (higher strength, connection features), while guide elements have properties optimized for guidance (smooth surfaces, geometric shaping). This local differentiation allows each element to perform its function reliably without requiring all elements to be overly complex.
3Device complexity
If coupling elements and guide elements are integrated into a single component, then the structure is simpler, but the components cannot be exchanged separately and wear affects overall performance
Solution Approach 1:
The covering device is segmented into separable coupling elements and guide elements that can be independently exchanged. This segmentation directly enables ease of repair and maintenance, as worn guide elements can be replaced without removing coupling elements, and vice versa, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and component exchangeability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements and guide elements are designed as universal, standardized components that can be applied across multiple links. This universality allows for easy exchange and replacement while maintaining consistent performance, balancing structural simplicity with ease of repair.
4Reliability
If multiple coupling elements and guide elements are arranged on each link, then loads are distributed better, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses segmented coupling elements and guide elements distributed across alternating links rather than concentrating multiple elements on each link. This segmentation approach achieves good load distribution across the entire device while keeping the number of elements per individual link manageable, resolving the contradiction between reliability through load distribution and device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Linked skirt (1) for covering openings, in particular for machine openings, comprising a plurality of links (3) connected to each other via joints (2), at least one guide element (12) arranged on a link (3) for guiding the moving linked skirt (1) and at least one coupling element (11) for coupling a displacement unit (29) to the linked skirt (1).