Movable Segments in Orthogonal-Direct Sleds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orthogonal-direct (OD) chassis designs face mechanical stability issues due to the fixed mounting of connection elements, leading to increased mechanical forces and tensions, which can damage connection elements during sled insertion or removal.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a sled with movable segments within the OD chassis, where connection elements are mounted to movable parts of the segments, decouples these elements from the frame, reducing mechanical forces and enhancing stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connection elements are fixedly mounted on sleds to ensure stable mechanical connection, then connection reliability is improved, but mechanical forces and tensions increase causing damage to connection elements during sled insertion or removal
Solution Approach 1:
The sled is divided into multiple segments (first segment, second segment, etc.) that can move independently relative to each other. Each segment carries connection elements, allowing localized movement and force distribution. This segmentation prevents the entire sled from acting as a single rigid structure, reducing transmitted mechanical forces to connection elements during insertion/removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection elements are mounted on movable segments rather than being fixed to the sled frame. The segments can move relative to the frame and to each other, allowing dynamic adjustment during insertion and removal. This mobility absorbs mechanical shocks and reduces peak forces on connection elements while maintaining connection reliability through controlled movement.
2Productivity
If sleds are made larger or heavier to increase capacity, then productivity is improved, but mechanical forces and tensions increase causing damage to connection elements
Solution Approach 1:
Large or heavy sleds are divided into multiple segments, each carrying a portion of the connection elements. This distribution allows the sled to achieve high capacity while reducing the mechanical load on individual connection elements. The segments can move independently, preventing force concentration at connection points during insertion and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable segment configuration allows large or heavy sleds to be inserted and removed with reduced mechanical stress on connection elements. The segments can flex and move relative to each other, absorbing the weight and reducing peak forces transmitted to connection elements, thereby enabling higher productivity without compromising connection strength.
3Stability of the object's composition
If all front and rear sleds act as a single large fixed mechanical structure to ensure structural integrity, then stability is improved, but mechanical forces and tensions increase causing damage to connection elements
Solution Approach 1:
The sled structure is segmented into multiple independent movable segments rather than forming a single rigid structure. Each segment maintains structural integrity for its local function while allowing relative movement between segments. This segmentation preserves overall stability through distributed support while reducing mechanical forces on connection elements by preventing force transmission across the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sled transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic structure with movable segments. The segments can move relative to each other and to the frame, allowing the structure to adapt to mechanical loads during insertion and removal. This dynamic behavior maintains structural integrity through controlled movement while reducing peak forces on connection elements compared to a completely fixed structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sled for an orthogonal-direct, OD, chassis, wherein the sled comprises: a frame; a plurality of connection elements for establishing an OD connection with one or more other sleds of the OD chassis; and one or more segments, each segment comprising a first part, wherein each segment is arranged within the frame, wherein one or more of the connection elements are mounted to the first part of each segment, and wherein the first part of each segment is movable relative to the frame. Further, the present invention relates to an orthogonal-direct, OD, chassis.