Support Roller Bearing Regreasing in Compact High-Load Crank Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing displacement devices, such as screw jack and cam-follower systems, are too large, heavy, and costly, consuming excessive power and occupying excessive space, making them unsuitable for compact applications like automated guided vehicles (AGVs) with limited space and high load displacement needs.
Innovation Solution
A compact crank assembly with a swingable crank arm and a support roller bearing that allows the displaced structure to cross the rotation axis of the electric motor, reducing size, weight, and energy consumption, while enabling increased displacement distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw jack type system is used to displace a load, then the displacement function is achieved, but the device becomes large, heavy, and costly, consuming excessive space and power
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement function is segmented into two distinct mechanisms: a cam mechanism for vertical displacement and a crank mechanism for horizontal displacement. This segmentation allows each mechanism to be optimized independently, reducing the overall device volume while maintaining reliable displacement functionality in both directions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-direction vertical displacement to two-dimensional displacement by adding horizontal displacement capability through the crank mechanism. This dimensional expansion enables the device to achieve both vertical and horizontal movement within a compact footprint, eliminating the need for oversized single-function mechanisms
2Force
If a traditional cam-follower system is used, then the motor can shift the load, but the system occupies relatively large space and has reduced displacement distance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the cam-follower mechanism with a crank mechanism into an integrated displacement system. The cam mechanism handles vertical load shifting while the crank mechanism provides horizontal displacement, combining both functions in a compact arrangement that reduces overall space occupation compared to traditional separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The follower is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between vertical and horizontal movement. This dynamic configuration enables the follower to cross the cam rotation axis, maximizing displacement distance in both directions while minimizing the space required for the stationary components
3Device complexity
If the follower cannot cross the rotation axis of the cam, then the cam-follower system is simple, but the displacement distance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The follower is designed as a dynamic component that can change its movement direction. It is constrained to move vertically when the cam rotates in one direction and horizontally when the cam rotates in the opposite direction. This dynamic constraint allows the follower to effectively cross the cam rotation axis, maximizing displacement distance without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism utilizes periodic rotation in opposite directions to alternately drive the follower in vertical and horizontal directions. This periodic action enables the follower to achieve maximum displacement distance in both axes by leveraging the cyclic nature of cam rotation, maintaining simple device architecture while expanding functional capability
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 compact crank assembly facilitates efficient, cost-effective, and energy-efficient displacement in space-restricted environments, enhancing the functionality of AGVs by allowing for larger displacement distances and reduced maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
The support roller bearing is configured to reduce friction at the interface between the swingable crank arm and the load
Implementation Method 2
a lubricant path that leads to the support roller bearing and is configured to receive lubricant from the lubricant application device
Data Source
AI summary
A crank assembly for displacing a load includes a motor and a displacement arm assembly. The motor includes a rotatable output shaft that defines a rotation axis. The displacement arm assembly includes a swingable crank arm and a support roller bearing. The swingable crank arm is coupled to the output shaft to swing about the rotation axis when the output shaft rotates. The swingable crank arm defines a pivot end adjacent the rotation axis and an opposite displacement end. The support roller bearing is rotatably supported on the swingable crank arm proximate the displacement end. The support roller bearing is configured to engage the load. The support roller bearing defines a bearing axis, which is substantially parallel to and offset from the rotation axis.