Ring-Surface Turner Mechanism for Thin Load-Bearing Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rotation mechanisms are often specific to particular devices and lack a standard, durable, and cost-effective solution for allowing relative rotation between two parallel surfaces of objects.
Innovation Solution
A turner apparatus with a frame body and rotor mechanism, featuring ring-shaped rolling surfaces and a fastening module, enabling rotatable connection between two objects, utilizing ball-shaped rotors and a retainer unit for smooth and durable rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard, versatile turner apparatus is designed for general use, then adaptability and ease of manufacture improve, but the ability to support heavy loads and ensure durability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spherical rotors that roll between two rolling surfaces to enable rotation. The spherical shape allows smooth rotational movement while distributing loads effectively, providing both versatility for different applications and durability through reliable contact mechanics. The spherical geometry is inherently stable and can accommodate various torque requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a compact structure: the rolling surfaces provide both support and rotational guidance, the fastening module combines clamping and positioning functions, and the spherical rotors simultaneously enable rotation and support loads. This merging of functions achieves versatility without compromising structural integrity.
2Length of moving object
If the turner apparatus is designed with minimal thickness, then the area occupied and device complexity reduce, but the structural strength and load-bearing capacity may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for reduced thickness in the rotation direction by optimizing the spherical rotor design and rolling surface geometry. The spherical shape distributes stresses in multiple directions, and the rolling contact transforms linear thickness constraints into radial load-bearing capacity, maintaining strength despite minimal overall thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies that rolling surfaces can be made from materials with high friction coefficients or composite materials to enhance load-bearing capacity and durability. Using composite or specially selected materials allows the thin structure to maintain adequate strength and wear resistance for supporting loads.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple, cost-effective fastening module is used, then ease of manufacture and device complexity improve, but the reliability of the rotatable connection may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening module is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for simplified production of individual parts while ensuring reliable assembly through dedicated fastening features. The modular approach maintains connection reliability without requiring complex integrated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening module incorporates self-aligning and self-retaining features that ensure reliable connection without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms. The design allows the components to self-adjust during assembly, maintaining connection integrity through inherent geometric constraints rather than complex fastening procedures.
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 apparatus provides a versatile, durable, and cost-effective solution for relative rotation between two surfaces, ensuring smooth operation and supporting a predetermined weight with minimal thickness, suitable for various industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
The rotor mechanism comprises a plurality of ball-shape rotors and a retainer unit. The plurality of ball-shape rotors is spacedly arranged in the rolling track channel defined between the first rolling surface and the second rolling surface
Implementation Method 2
The first rolling surface and the second rolling surface are coaxially positioned in a face to face manner to combine and form a ring-shaped rolling slot to retain the plurality of rotors therein in a rollable manner
Data Source
AI summary
A turner apparatus includes: a frame body and a rotor mechanism. The frame body includes: a first moving member, a second moving member, and a fastening module. The first moving member includes a substantially ring-shape first rolling surface. The second moving member includes a substantially ring-shape second rolling surface disposed opposite to the first rolling surface. The fastening module is arranged on at least one of the first moving member and the second moving member and fastened with the other one of the first moving member and the second moving member, enabling the first moving member and the second moving member to be able to be rotatably fastened with each other. The rotor mechanism is arranged between the first rolling surface and the second rolling surface.