Protective Ring for Automated Equipment Pivot Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated equipment in industrial settings, such as painting booths and welding machines, faces challenges in protecting its protective coverings from premature wear and damage due to frequent movement around multiple axis pivot points, leading to potential contamination and equipment deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A ring structure designed to radially extend beyond axis pivot points, composed of interconnected arc members and adapter plates, which can be securely attached to the machine, providing a protective covering support structure that prevents snagging and wear by forming a semicircular arc and using flexible materials like UHMW HDPE for easy installation and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the automated equipment is covered with a protective film, then the equipment is protected from contamination and damage, but the protective covering becomes susceptible to snagging, tearing, or premature wear due to movement around axis pivot points
Solution Approach 1:
A ring structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the protective covering and the axis pivot points. The ring extends radially beyond the pivot points and is positioned to prevent the protective covering from contacting or snagging on the pivot points during equipment movement, thereby eliminating the harmful interaction while maintaining protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective system is segmented into distinct functional components: the protective covering for contamination protection, and the ring structure for mechanical protection at pivot points. This segmentation allows each component to address specific problems independently, with the ring handling wear and snagging issues while the covering handles contamination.
2Reliability
If the ring structure radially extends beyond axis pivot points to prevent snagging, then protective covering wear is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring structure is constructed from flexible material such as UHMW HDPE that can be formed into a continuous ring shape. This flexible construction simplifies the overall structure compared to rigid segmented designs, as the ring can be installed as a single continuous piece that naturally conforms to the equipment geometry while providing the necessary radial extension beyond pivot points.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it prevents snagging of the protective covering, reduces wear at pivot points, and can be installed as a single universal component that works with equipment having multiple axis pivot points. The ring's continuous structure and flexible material properties make it adaptable to various equipment configurations without requiring complex customization.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective covering support structure for an automated machine, comprising a first ring member having a channel extending substantially along an inner circumferential periphery, and a second ring member configured to be housed within the channel of the first ring member, the second ring member having a first end and a second end, the first and second ends being separated by a gap, wherein the first ring member is configured to be fixedly secured to the automated machine through a pressure-tight engagement.