Rail Support Device for Clip Chain Sheet Stretching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clip chain type sheet stretching apparatuses face challenges in maintaining the ideal shape of flexible guide rails due to their larger length and smaller thickness, leading to deformation under stretching forces, which hinders smooth operation of clip chains.
Innovation Solution
A rail support device with a configuration that includes first and second rail support members and an arc-shaped rail support member, allowing for rotational and translational movements to maintain the arc-shaped portion of the rail, enhancing the rigidity of curved portions while supporting the rails symmetrically about the intersection angle bisector plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible guide rail has a larger length and smaller thickness to change the intersection angle within a larger angular range, then the adaptability is improved, but the rigidity deteriorates causing deformation under stretching force
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail is divided into multiple segments (first guide rail segment, second guide rail segment, third guide rail segment) connected through connecting portions. This segmentation allows each segment to be independently supported and positioned, enabling the rail to change intersection angles within a larger angular range while maintaining overall rigidity through the structured connection of rigid segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Support members are introduced as intermediary elements between the guide rail segments and the support structure. These support members include supporting portions that contact the guide rail and positioning portions that engage with the support structure, effectively mediating the relationship between the flexible rail and the rigid support system to prevent deformation while allowing angular adjustment.
2Ease of operation
If the flexible guide rail has a larger length and smaller thickness to improve adaptability, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to deformation under stretching force
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail is segmented into multiple rigid portions connected through connecting portions, allowing the rail to be adjusted in angle while maintaining its shape under stretching force. Each segment can be independently positioned and supported, ensuring reliable shape maintenance while preserving ease of operation for angular adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
Support members serve as intermediaries that reliably maintain the guide rail's shape by providing structured support at critical points. The supporting portions contact the guide rail while the positioning portions engage with the support structure, ensuring the rail maintains its ideal arc shape under stretching force while remaining easy to adjust.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible guide rail is used to change intersection angle, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional support structures required to maintain ideal shape
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail is divided into multiple segments with connecting portions, allowing angle adjustment without requiring complex continuous support structures. Each segment can be independently supported, simplifying the overall support structure configuration while maintaining adaptability for intersection angle changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are designed as simple intermediary components with supporting portions and positioning portions, avoiding complex mechanisms. This simple structure achieves the necessary angle adjustment capability while keeping the device complexity low, as the support members can be easily positioned and engaged with the guide rail segments.
Data Source
AI summary
A rail support device installed in a clip chain type sheet stretching apparatus configured to stretch a sheet includes a first rail support member, a second rail support member, and an arc shaped rail support member. The arc shaped rail support member is engaged with each of the connecting portions of the first and second rail support members to form a higher pair. The rail support device is symmetrical with respect to an intersection angle bisecting plane which is a plane developing in a vertical direction and including an intersection angle bisector.