Pallet Connecting Rod Assembly for Stable Horizontal Load Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices fail to securely attach a second block to a first block when external forces are applied in directions crossing the axis, especially under heavy loads or when the device is oriented horizontally, leading to misalignment and reduced force transmission.
Innovation Solution
The connecting device features a cylinder hole in the housing with movable engagement members and support members that distribute vertical loads away from the connecting rod, allowing reliable force transmission via engagement balls even when external forces are applied in non-axial directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the connecting device is used in horizontal orientation with heavy load, then the connecting rod must transmit the full load, but the guide sleeve and engagement balls experience misalignment and gaps reducing force transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the load-bearing function into two separate components: the connecting rod (for axial force transmission) and the support member (for radial load support). This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its optimal function, preventing the connecting rod from experiencing misalignment forces that would compromise reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member acts as an intermediary component between the base plate and the connecting rod. It intercepts radial loads and external forces before they can affect the connecting rod, thereby protecting the primary force transmission path maintained by the engagement balls.
2Manufacturing precision
If the connecting rod is fixed in position, then alignment is precise, but it cannot accommodate misalignment or external forces in non-axial directions
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting rod is designed with movable capability on the base plate surface, transitioning from a fixed to a dynamic configuration. This allows the rod to self-adjust its position to accommodate misalignment while maintaining proper engagement with the engagement balls, combining alignment precision with adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the positional parameter of the connecting rod from fixed to variable, allowing it to move within certain limits on the base plate. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to manufacturing tolerances and external forces while maintaining effective force transmission.
3Stability of the object's composition
If support members are added to the base plate, then radial loads are better distributed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed to perform multiple functions: supporting radial loads, accommodating misalignment, and protecting the connecting rod. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the invention achieves improved load distribution without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member integrates several functional elements into one component: it provides structural support, enables misalignment accommodation, and protects the engagement mechanism. This merging reduces the total number of separate parts compared to having dedicated components for each function.
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 ensures a secure connection by transmitting driving forces effectively through engagement balls, maintaining stability under vertical loads and external forces applied in non-axial directions, even when the device is in a horizontal orientation.
Implementation Method 1
The engagement members 16, 38 are moved inward in the radial direction by movement of the output member 5 in the axial direction
Implementation Method 2
at least one support member 23, 24 is provided so as to protrude from the base plate 21 in parallel to an axial direction of the connecting rod 22
Implementation Method 3
The connecting rod 22 is configured to be movable on a surface 21a of the base plate 21
Data Source
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).