Monolithic Pulley Assembly with Actuation Mechanism for Belt Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pulley assemblies for transport belts are difficult and time-consuming to adjust, especially when the machine is in operation, and can weaken the shaft, making it unsafe to adjust the angle of the pulley relative to the deck while the machine is in motion.
Innovation Solution
A pulley assembly with a monolithic body and an actuation assembly that includes a mechanical biasing element, allowing for the adjustment of the pulley's angle relative to the deck by rotating the biasing element to apply a force that moves the upper and lower portions of the monolithic body, enabling precise alignment of the belt without direct interaction with the pulley or shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional bending or angling methods are used to adjust the pulley angle, then the belt alignment can be improved, but the shaft is weakened and the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic body is segmented into an upper portion and a lower portion that can move relative to each other. This allows the pulley assembly to be divided into adjustable components, enabling belt alignment adjustment without bending or weakening the shaft. The upper portion can be independently positioned to change the pulley angle while the shaft remains intact and strong.
2Productivity
If the pulley angle is adjusted while the machine is in motion, then productivity is improved, but the adjustment becomes dangerous and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pulley assembly incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through the monolithic body design with upper and lower portions that can move relative to each other. This allows the operator to adjust the pulley angle quickly while the machine is running, improving productivity. The mechanical biasing element provides controlled movement that maintains safety even during operation, eliminating the need to stop the machine for alignment adjustments.
3Manufacturing precision
If trial and error adjustment methods are used, then belt alignment can be achieved, but the time required for adjustment increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the conventional trial-and-error mechanical adjustment process with a controlled mechanical biasing system. The biasing element provides precise, repeatable positioning of the upper portion relative to the lower portion, eliminating the need for repeated trial and error adjustments. This mechanical substitution allows for accurate belt alignment to be achieved quickly and consistently, significantly reducing adjustment time.
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 solution allows for safe and efficient adjustment of the pulley's angle relative to the deck, even when the machine is in operation, reducing the time and effort required for alignment and preventing shaft weakening.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanical biasing element may be configured to apply a force to move the upper and lower portions of the monolithic body relative to one another
Data Source
AI summary
A pulley assembly for an automative machine and methods for the same are disclosed. The pulley assembly may include a monolithic body, an actuation assembly, and a pulley. The body may define a recess extending from a first end surface toward a second end surface thereof. The recess may separate an upper portion from a lower portion of the body. The body may define a bore extending through the upper and lower portions of the body. The bore may be threaded along a length thereof. The actuation assembly may include a mechanical biasing element having a threaded portion. The mechanical biasing element may be disposed in the bore such that the threaded portion thereof is threadably coupled with the threaded portion of the bore. The pulley may be rotatably coupled with the upper portion of the body such that the pully moves when the upper portion is actuated.