Modular Brush System With Elastic Latching Hooks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brush systems lack flexibility in terms of shape, size, and type, with existing solutions requiring multiple brush element types and being difficult to replace safely, easily, and inexpensively.
Innovation Solution
A brush system comprising at least two brush elements with a carrier having multiple receptacles, featuring elastic latching hooks for easy attachment and detachment without tools, allowing for a modular design with a minimum number of brush element types, and providing a uniform bristle surface through interlocking edge profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If brush elements are designed with fixed attachment methods (e.g., mortise and tenons, grooves and pins), then the brush system provides stable connection, but the replacement process becomes complex and requires tools
Solution Approach 1:
The brush element is segmented into a brush body and a clamping means that can be separately attached or integrated. The clamping means itself is segmented into elastic latching hooks that can independently engage with receptacles, allowing for tool-free attachment while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping means utilizes elastic material properties to change its physical state during attachment. The elastic latching hooks can be deformed to pass through receptacles and then return to their original shape to lock in place, enabling tool-free attachment while ensuring reliable connection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of brush elements are used to achieve different shapes and sizes, then the labeling machine can handle various bottle formats, but the system complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is designed with standardized receptacles that can accommodate different configurations of the same brush element type. By varying the arrangement and combination of identical brush elements on the carrier, multiple bottle formats and labeling configurations can be achieved without requiring multiple brush element types.
Solution Approach 2:
The brush system allows dynamic reconfiguration by enabling easy attachment and detachment of brush elements to the carrier. The same set of brush elements can be rearranged or recombined to adapt to different labeling requirements, providing versatility without increasing inventory complexity.
3Device complexity
If traditional attachment methods are used for brush elements, then the structure remains simple, but the replacement time and production downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping means is designed to be self-actuating through elastic deformation. The elastic latching hooks automatically engage with the receptacles when the brush element is inserted, and can be released by simple pressure, eliminating the need for tools or complex mechanisms. This self-service attachment method enables rapid replacement while keeping the structure simple.
4Stability of the object's composition
If brush elements are firmly secured to prevent movement, then the brushing surface remains stable under load, but the replacement process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into discrete elastic latching hooks that independently engage with receptacles. This segmentation allows the brush element to be firmly secured through multiple engagement points while enabling easy release by acting on individual latching hooks, resolving the contradiction between stability and replaceability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic latching hooks utilize material elasticity to provide firm engagement during operation while allowing easy deformation for release. The same elastic property that ensures stable connection under brushing loads also enables simple manual release for replacement, eliminating the need to compromise between stability and replaceability.
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
Enables quick, safe, and cost-effective replacement of brush elements, offering a flexible and stable brushing surface that can withstand high-speed brushing loads.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the clamping means has formed at least two elastic latching hooks (16) which can be latched into one of the receptacles (32)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A brush system (1) and a labeling machine (40) with brush systems (1) are disclosed. The brush system (1) comprises a carrier (30) with a plurality of receptacles (32) and at least two brush elements (10) detachably attached to the carrier (30). Each brush element (10) comprises a brush body (11) with a brush functional side (13) provided with bristles (14) on a first side of the brush body (11) and with a brush carrier side (12) on a second side of the brush body (11). At least one clamping means (15) is attached to the brush carrier side (12) of each brush element (10), which interacts with a receptacle (32) of the carrier (30) for detachable attachment. Each clamping means (15) has at least two elastic locking hooks (16) formed, which can be engaged in each of the receptacles (32).