Removable Reel Shaft Insert to Eliminate Clamping Backlash

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing supporting and clamping devices for reel shafts in pneumatic grippers suffer from wear-induced clearances and backlashes, requiring frequent replacement and complex maintenance procedures, leading to high costs and downtime.

Innovation Solution

A supporting device with a removable insert for the insertion seat, featuring anchoring means such as protruding profiles and abutment elements for secure fastening and easy replacement, allowing unskilled technicians to maintain the device without disassembling the gripper.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the supporting device is replaced periodically to prevent wear-induced clearances and backlashes, then the clamping force and efficiency are maintained, but the maintenance costs and downtime increase due to complex disassembly procedures requiring skilled operators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoiddowntime
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion seat is divided into two separable components: the body and a removable insert containing the abutment surfaces. This segmentation allows the wear-prone insert to be replaced independently without disassembling the entire supporting device, thereby maintaining clamping force while significantly reducing maintenance downtime and eliminating the need for skilled operators

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The abutment surfaces are extracted from the main body and placed on a separate removable insert. This extraction allows the critical wear surfaces to be replaced quickly and easily, addressing the reliability issue without incurring the time loss and skill requirements associated with replacing the entire supporting device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the whole supporting device is replaced to prevent wear, then the clearances and backlashes are eliminated, but the maintenance complexity and costs increase due to complex machining and skilled labor requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation efficiencyVSAvoidmaintenance procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion seat is segmented into a body and a removable insert, simplifying the maintenance procedure. The insert can be easily removed and replaced without complex disassembly, reducing maintenance complexity while ensuring operation efficiency is maintained through elimination of wear-induced clearances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insert is designed as a consumable component that can be easily replaced when worn. This approach is more economical than replacing the entire supporting device, reducing maintenance costs while maintaining operation efficiency. The insert acts as a disposable or short-living component that protects the more expensive and complex body

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP3896303B1A supporting and clamping device for the shaft of a reel
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 SCARAVELLA CARLO
  • EP3896303B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3896303B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3896303B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a supporting and clamping device (1) for the shaft of a reel, comprising an insertion seat (10) adapted to house a terminal (3) of the shaft of said reel, the insertion seat (10) comprising abutment surfaces (21) against which at least a part of the outer wall of said terminal (3) can abut, the abutment surfaces (21) being configured so as to rotate the shaft and the supporting device (1) solidly, wherein the insertion seat (10) has a removable insert (2) fastenable to the inner walls of said insertion seat (10), the insert (2) having an outer face (20) configured to be fastened to the inner wall of said insertion seat (10) and an inner face, opposite said outer face (20), comprising said abutment surfaces (21).