Pallet Coupling Structure for Heavy-Load Misalignment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices fail to securely attach a connecting rod to a housing when subjected to heavy loads, especially when rotated to a horizontal orientation, leading to misalignment and reduced force transmission due to external forces applied across the axis.
Innovation Solution
The connecting device features a cylinder hole with movable engagement members and support members that distribute vertical loads away from the connecting rod, ensuring reliable force transmission via balls even when external forces are applied in directions crossing the axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connecting device is used in horizontal orientation with heavy load, then the connecting rod must transmit large axial force, but the external force applied across the axis causes misalignment and gaps between engagement balls and connecting rod, reducing force transmission reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is segmented into two functional parts: the connecting rod for axial force transmission and the support member for radial external force bearing. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in handling specific force components, with the support member taking over the burden of external forces applied across the axis, thereby preventing misalignment and maintaining reliable force transmission through the engagement balls
Solution Approach 2:
The support member acts as an intermediary component between the housing and the base plate. It receives and distributes external forces applied across the axis, preventing these forces from directly affecting the connecting rod and engagement balls. This intermediary structure protects the force transmission path from distortion and maintains alignment under heavy load conditions
2Force
If the connecting rod is fixed rigidly to transmit heavy load, then force transmission is efficient, but misalignment due to external forces causes gaps and reduces connection reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting rod is designed with dynamic capability to move on the surface of the base plate rather than being rigidly fixed. This dynamic design allows the connecting rod to self-adjust its position and maintain proper alignment with the engagement balls even when external forces cause misalignment, ensuring continuous reliable force transmission without gaps
Solution Approach 2:
The support member provides a counterbalancing function by bearing external forces applied across the axis. This counterweight effect prevents these external forces from causing misalignment of the connecting rod, allowing the connecting rod to maintain its optimal position for force transmission while the support member absorbs the destabilizing external loads
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 configuration allows for a secure and reliable connection of objects, maintaining force transmission integrity even under heavy loads and misalignment conditions, enhancing the device's operational stability in various orientations.
Implementation Method 1
The engagement members 16, 38, which are movable in a radial direction of the cylinder hole 2, are supported by the housing 1 or by the output member 5. The engagement members 16, 38 are moved inward in the radial direction by movement of the output member 5 in the axial direction.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A base plate (21) is attached to a side wall surface of a pallet (P). A connecting rod (22) provided so as to protrude from the base plate (21) is configured to be movable on a surface (21a) of the base plate (21). An insertion hole (18) is provided in a housing (1) attached to a robot arm (R), and the connecting rod (22) is inserted in the insertion hole (18). Two pins (23 and 24) extending in parallel to an axial direction of the connecting rod (22) are provided so as to protrude from the base plate (21). The pins (23 and 24) are respectively inserted in support holes (19 and 20) of the housing (1).