Modular Extruder Support Assembly with Adjustable Linking Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional extruder assembly support systems require custom designs for each specific motor, transmission, and extruder size and shape, leading to inefficiencies and high costs due to the lack of a universal, adaptable solution.
Innovation Solution
A modular base system comprising fixed and movable support members with linking members allows for adjustable positioning and support of motors and extruders, enabling flexible adaptation to different sizes and shapes, with cylindrical linking members and trapezoidal cross-sections for secure and adjustable mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a specific base is designed for each particular extruder assembly, then the support structure can be precisely tailored to the specific motor, transmission, and extruder sizes and shapes, but the manufacturing cost increases and efficiency decreases due to lack of reusability
Solution Approach 1:
The base assembly is designed as a universal support structure that can accommodate multiple different extruder, motor, and transmission configurations through standardized mounting surfaces and adjustable positioning mechanisms, eliminating the need for custom-designed bases for each specific assembly configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The base assembly is divided into separate modular components including motor support members, extruder support members, and intermediate support members that can be independently positioned and configured, allowing flexibility in accommodating different component sizes and shapes while using the same base structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed support members are used for motor and extruder, then the structure is simple and stable, but the system cannot accommodate different sizes and shapes of extruder assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The base assembly incorporates movable support members that can be positioned at different locations along the base structure, allowing the system to adapt to different extruder assembly configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall base structure
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate support member is introduced between the motor support and extruder support, providing a flexible connection point that enables accommodation of various component arrangements without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire base structure
Data Source
AI summary
A modular base is provided. A plurality of motor support members are secured to one another by a first linking member. Each motor support member has a mounting surface that is adapted to be secured to a motor, and the first linking member has a central axis and is dimensioned to support the motor. A plurality of extruder support members are secured to one another by a second linking member. Each extruder support member has a carriage that is adapted to be secured to an extruder, wherein the second linking member has a central axis and is dimensioned to support the extruder. An intermediate member having a mounting surface that is adapted to be secured to a transmission is provided. The intermediate member is secured to one of motor support members by the first linking member and secured to one of the extruder support members by the second linking member, wherein the central axes of the first and second linking members displaced from one another at a distance that enables the transmission to transfer mechanical work from motor to the extruder.