Modular Pulley Alignment Adaptor for Laser Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Pulley misalignment in belt and pulley systems leads to increased noise, excessive wear, and unintended belt displacement due to obstructions blocking the alignment beam path, and incompatibility with pulleys of varying diameters.
Innovation Solution
A pulley alignment apparatus and kit that includes a target component, a sighting component, and adaptors with detachable interfaces for pulleys of different diameters, allowing for precise alignment by modifying the alignment beam source and using adaptors to facilitate compatibility with various pulley sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a laser alignment system uses a fixed source location, then the system structure is simple, but it cannot align pulleys when obstructions block the beam path or when pulley diameters vary
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system is divided into separate modular components: a base unit with a laser source, detachable adaptors with different contact surface configurations for various pulley diameters, and target/sighting components. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different pulley sizes and obstruction scenarios by simply changing the adaptor component rather than redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
Detachable adaptors serve as intermediary components between the laser source and the pulley contact surfaces. These adaptors with differently configured contact surfaces mediate the interaction between the alignment system and various pulley types, enabling the system to accommodate different diameters and overcome obstructions by selecting the appropriate intermediary component.
2Reliability
If the alignment beam source location is modified to overcome obstructions, then alignment capability is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic reconfigurability through detachable adaptors that can be quickly exchanged based on the specific alignment task. The contact surface configuration of the adaptors can be dynamically adjusted to match different pulley diameters and obstruction scenarios, allowing the system to adapt its geometry without permanent structural modifications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adaptors are added to accommodate various pulley diameters, then compatibility is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each adaptor is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple pulley diameters through standardized contact surface configurations. The adaptors serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical attachment, define the optical path geometry, and accommodate various pulley sizes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate 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
Enables quick and accurate pulley alignment, overcoming obstructions and size incompatibilities, reducing noise and wear, and ensuring proper belt engagement.
Implementation Method 1
a laser and a first retaining mechanism positioned therein to detachably affix the sighting component to a second pulley or to the adaptor
Data Source
AI summary
A pulley alignment apparatus is disclosed that includes a target component or a sighting component having a first contact surface shaped to detachably interface with a first pulley having a first diameter. The apparatus further includes an adaptor with a second contact surface shaped to detachably interface with a second pulley having a second diameter and a receiving surface shaped to detachably interface with the first contact surface of the target component or the sighting component. The target component or the sighting component is seated on the adaptor with the first contact surface detachably interfaced with the receiving surface of the adaptor, and the first diameter and the second diameter are different.