Device and method for inserting an insert into an insert chamber

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for inserting inserts into entrance mat chambers are cumbersome due to their weight and require electrical connections, making them difficult to use for replacing soiled or dirty inserts.

Innovation Solution

A device with rotatably mounted rollers, including a guide roller, pressure roller, and support rollers, that facilitate the insertion of inserts into chambers by pressing the insert's longitudinal edges into the chamber, allowing for a compact design without heavy motors or electrical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a powered plunger is used to insert the insert into the insert chamber, then the insertion process is automated, but the device becomes cumbersome due to the required electrical connection and the weight of the motor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion automationVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the motor and electrical connection components from the insertion device, extracting the heavy elements that caused the technical contradiction. The device is transformed from a powered automated system to a manual operation system, eliminating the weight problem while retaining the core insertion function through a simplified mechanical approach using rollers and pressure elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Weight of moving object

If manual insertion by hand is used, then the device is simple and lightweight, but the insertion process is time-consuming and less efficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice weightVSAvoidinsertion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces rollers and pressure elements as intermediary mechanical components between the user's manual force and the insert. These intermediaries amplify the insertion effect by providing mechanical advantage and guiding the insert into the chamber, thereby increasing insertion efficiency without requiring heavy powered components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a compact design is implemented without heavy motors, then the device is easier to use, but achieving reliable insert insertion becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice usabilityVSAvoidinsert insertion reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs cylindrical rollers with specific surface characteristics to interact with the insert. The curved surfaces of the rollers provide reliable mechanical contact and guidance, ensuring consistent insertion performance. The rotational capability of the rollers allows them to conform to the insert shape while maintaining reliable force application throughout the insertion process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

Enables simple, reliable, and efficient insertion of inserts into entrance mat chambers, ensuring effective contact between the shoe sole and the insert while reducing the device's size and eliminating the need for heavy machinery and electrical components.

Implementation Method 1

a first insertion roller (24) which is rotatably mounted about a first axis of rotation (D1) for pressing the first longitudinal edge (13) of the insert (12) into the insert chamber (14)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a pressure roller (26) which is rotatably mounted about a second axis of rotation (D2) and arranged behind the first insertion roller (24) in the conveying direction (F) for acting on a second longitudinal edge (15) of the insert (12) transversely to the conveying direction (F)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

a second insertion roller (28) which is mounted about a third axis of rotation (D3) and arranged behind the pressure roller (26) in the conveying direction (F) for pressing the second longitudinal edge (15) of the insert (12) into the insert chamber (14)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4480355B1Device and method for inserting an insert into an insert chamber
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 ERWIN MULLER GMBH & CO
  • EP4480355B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4480355B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4480355B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for inserting an insert into an insert chamber and a method for doing so. To provide a device and a method that enable simple and reliable insert replacement with a compact design, the device 10 for inserting an insert 12 into an insert chamber 14 comprises a base body 16 and a guide chamber 22 arranged on the base body 16 for guiding the insert 12 in a conveying direction F. Furthermore, the device 10 has a first insertion roller 24 rotatably mounted about a first axis of rotation Di for pressing the first longitudinal edge 13 of the insert 12 into the insert chamber 14. In addition, the device 10 has a pressure roller 26 rotatably mounted about a second axis of rotation D3 and arranged behind the first insertion roller 24 in the conveying direction F for acting on the second longitudinal edge 15 of the insert 12 transversely to the conveying direction F.Furthermore, the device 10 has a second insertion roller 28, mounted about a third axis of rotation D3 and arranged behind the pressure roller 26 in the conveying direction F, for pressing the second longitudinal edge 15 of the insert 12 into the insert chamber 14. The insertion rollers 24, 28 and the pressure roller 26 are each arranged at a distance from one another in the conveying direction F on the guide chamber 22.