Panel Attachment Structure for Faster Unit Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wearable article manufacturing equipment, replacing devices such as processing and driving sections requires a lengthy process due to the need to remove the upper panel before the lower panel, complicating the replacement of units.

Innovation Solution

A panel attachment structure where the lower panel is removably fixed between the pillars, allowing the upper panel to remain fixed while the lower panel and attached sections are replaced, utilizing spacers to support the upper panel's load and facilitate easy removal and replacement of the lower panel unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the upper panel is removed before the lower panel during device replacement, then the lower panel can be accessed for replacement, but the replacement process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of device replacementVSAvoidreplacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure is segmented into upper and lower panels that can be independently removed. The lower panel is designed to be removable from the pillars while the upper panel remains in place, allowing selective access to devices attached to the lower panel without requiring removal of the upper panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A support section is introduced as an intermediary element between the upper and lower panels. This support section temporarily bears the load of the upper panel when the lower panel is removed, enabling the lower panel to be replaced without compromising the structural integrity or requiring removal of the upper panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the upper panel load is supported by the lower panel, then the structure remains simple, but device replacement requires removing both panels increasing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidease of device replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support section serves as a mediator that temporarily takes over the load-bearing function from the lower panel during replacement operations. This allows the lower panel to be removed and replaced without affecting the upper panel or requiring complex structural modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The load-bearing path is made dynamic rather than static. During normal operation, the lower panel supports the upper panel. During replacement, the support section dynamically assumes the load-bearing role, enabling flexible operation without permanent structural changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11512722B2Device replacement in wearable article manufacturing equipment
Publication Date: 2022.11.29 ZUIKO CORP
  • US11512722B2 patent drawing
  • US11512722B2 patent drawing
  • US11512722B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A panel attachment structure for a wearable article manufacturing equipment includes: lower and upper panels vertically arranged while separated up-and-down; a first processing section and a first driving section respectively attached to a front face and a back face of the lower panel; a second processing section and a second driving section respectively attached to a front face and a back face of the upper panel; a base horizontally arranged under the lower panel; and a pair of pillars raised from the base, wherein, in the structure, the lower and upper panels are removably fixed to the pillars while being supported by the respective lower and upper parts of the pillars, and each pillar has a support section, provided between the upper and lower panels and supporting the load of the upper panel.