Low-Height Ball Transfer Unit With Elastomeric Spring Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ball transfer units in cargo handling systems are too tall to fit into newer, lower height cargo handling systems, and they are heavy due to conventional compression springs, which limits their compatibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A low height ball transfer unit (LBTU) with a shorter can and an elastomeric spring that provides support and load attenuation, allowing for omnidirectional motion while being lighter and more compact, and using materials like fluorosilicone or nitrile for the spring to prevent galvanic corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional compression springs are used in ball transfer units, then the units can support loads effectively, but the units become heavy and too tall for newer cargo handling systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional metal compression springs to elastomeric material, and changes the structural parameter from spiral coil to conical shape. This allows the spring to maintain load support capability while reducing weight and height, resolving the contradiction between strength and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction by combining elastomeric material with a central rod or core structure. This composite approach maintains the mechanical strength needed for load support while the elastomeric outer layer provides the spring function with reduced weight compared to solid metal springs.
2Strength
If conventional compression springs are used in ball transfer units, then the units can support loads effectively, but the units become too tall to fit into lower height cargo handling systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the spring from spiral coil to conical shape, and changes the material parameter to elastomeric material. These parameter changes enable the spring to achieve the required load support with a significantly reduced height, allowing the ball transfer unit to fit into lower height cargo handling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional spiral coil spring to a three-dimensional conical structure. This dimensional change allows the spring to distribute stress more efficiently through its volume, achieving the required load support capability in a more compact height.
3Strength
If conventional metal springs are used in ball transfer units, then the units have adequate strength, but galvanic corrosion occurs reducing longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite construction by combining elastomeric material with a central rod or core structure. This composite approach maintains the mechanical strength needed for load support while the elastomeric outer layer provides corrosion resistance, preventing galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses elastomeric material throughout the spring structure, creating a homogeneous non-metallic component. This eliminates the galvanic corrosion issue that arises from contact between dissimilar metals in conventional spring designs.
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 LBTU fits into lower height cargo systems, supports the same load as conventional units, and is lighter and more efficient, with improved load handling and longevity due to the elastomeric spring's support and corrosion resistance.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric spring disposed between the ball race and the can, the elastomeric spring supporting the ball race
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A ball transfer unit is disclosed herein. The ball transfer unit includes a can (302), a ball race (304) disposed in the can (302), a ball supported by the ball race (304), and an elastomeric spring (316) disposed between the ball race (304) and the can (302), the elastomeric spring (316) supporting the ball race (304).