Motorized Roller Connector Engagement Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Motorized rollers employing a motor unit with a fixed shaft that does not penetrate through the roller body experience higher vibrations and disengagement of connectors due to uneven distribution of reaction forces and deflection, leading to frequent disconnection issues in conveyor systems.
Innovation Solution
A motorized roller design with a first connector housed in the fixed shaft and a second connector mechanically engaged using a first engaging part on the inner surface and a second engaging part on the outer periphery, preventing disengagement even under vibration, and incorporating a built-in circuit for power supply within the roller body to simplify connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a motor unit with a fixed shaft that does not penetrate through the roller body is employed, then the roller body structure is simplified and assembly is easier, but higher vibrations and connector disengagement occur due to uneven distribution of reaction forces
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed shaft is divided into two separate shafts (first fixed shaft and second fixed shaft) that support opposite ends of the roller body independently. This segmentation allows each shaft to bear reaction forces locally, preventing the uneven force distribution and vibrations that caused connector disengagement in the single non-penetrating shaft design.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the fixed shaft not penetrate through the roller body (as in conventional designs), the invention inverts this approach by having fixed shafts penetrate through both ends of the roller body. This inversion provides stable support at both ends, distributing reaction forces evenly and preventing the vibrations that lead to connector disengagement.
2Device complexity
If a connector is housed in the fixed shaft without engagement prevention structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but connector disengagement occurs frequently under vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging part is built into the fixed shaft structure in advance, creating a preliminary anti-action mechanism that prevents connector disengagement before vibration can cause it. The engagement structure proactively counteracts the tendency of the connector to disengage under vibrational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging part formed on the inner surface of the fixed shaft acts as a protective feature that cushions against the harmful effect of vibration-induced disengagement. This engagement structure is built in beforehand to prevent the connector from becoming loose or disconnected during operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the fixed shaft penetrates through the roller body, then reaction forces are distributed evenly and vibrations are reduced, but the roller body structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The penetration structure is segmented into two separate fixed shafts located at opposite ends of the roller body, rather than requiring a single complex penetrating structure. This segmentation simplifies the overall design while achieving even distribution of reaction forces through the two independent support points.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A motorized roller (3) includes a roller body of a cylindrical shape, in which a motor and a reducer are housed. The motorized roller (3) has fixed shafts (20) and (21) protruding out of both ends of the roller body. A first fixed shaft (20) has a cavity, in which a first connector (25) is housed. A second connector (33) is connected to the first connector (25). The first fixed shaft (20) has a first engaging part (inside screw) (24) for preventing disengagement of the second connector (33), so that a part (screw forming part) (37) of the second connector (33) is engaged with the first engaging part (24).