Quick Change Accessory Mounting Block With Spring Detent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated manufacturing processes require significant downtime and increased costs due to the need for tools and external hardware removal during accessory changeovers, which complicates the quick replacement and cleaning of worn-out or fouled accessories.
Innovation Solution
A quick change accessory system featuring a mounting block with a receiver and tapered face for guiding accessories, along with fasteners that include a biasing element or spring for secure engagement, allowing for tool-free and efficient removal and replacement of accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional accessory attachment methods are used, then secure engagement is achieved, but tool removal and replacement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory system is divided into separate modular components: a mounting block with receiver and a detachable accessory. This segmentation allows the accessory to be quickly removed and replaced without affecting the mounting structure, enabling tool-free changeovers while maintaining secure engagement during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting block is pre-configured with a receiver and positioning features that automatically align and secure the accessory upon insertion. The accessory includes pre-formed engagement features (apertures, tapered sections) that match the receiver, eliminating the need for tools or external hardware during changeover.
2Reliability
If traditional accessory attachment methods are used, then secure engagement is achieved, but external hardware removal is required
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting block integrates all necessary engagement features directly into its structure, combining the receiver, positioning mechanisms, and retention functions in a single component. This eliminates the need for separate external hardware (tools, fasteners, or additional mounting brackets) while maintaining secure accessory engagement.
3Productivity
If accessory changeover procedure is simplified, then downtime is reduced, but engagement security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver and accessory engagement features are designed with asymmetric geometries (tapered faces, shaped apertures, offset positioning elements) that provide both quick insertion/removal capability and positive engagement security. The asymmetric design prevents improper installation while enabling rapid tool-free changeovers, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and security.
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
The system enables rapid and tool-free changeovers of accessories, reducing downtime, increasing manufacturing efficiency, and lowering operational costs without adding complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The screw body includes a hollow bore for receiving a biasing element or spring that urges a detent toward the accessory to engage the at least one aperture of the accessory.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick change accessory for manipulating an object, such as a food item, is disclosed. The quick change accessory includes a flipper assembly, an accessory for engaging the object, and a mounting block adapted to form a quick change engagement with the accessory. The accessory, which may be a spatula, includes a recess for receiving a locator projection of the mounting block as the accessory is being guided into a receiver of the mounting block. A releasable locking engagement is formed by a fastener associated with the mounting block being urged into a corresponding aperture of the accessory, thus holding the accessory in a fixed position during flipping of the object. The fastener may include a detent associated with a screw body including a spring. In other embodiments, the fastener includes a pin associated with a captured spring.