Universal Roller Rebuilder Apparatus Axial Holding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for maintaining and repairing rollers, such as those used in mower cutting units, often result in rollers slipping and being damaged due to inadequate holding during disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly, as they are not securely held against axial movement.

Innovation Solution

A universal roller rebuilder apparatus featuring aligned holders with angled contact rims and a support frame, along with a puller system, securely holds rollers of various sizes and diameters in place, preventing axial movement and damage during the rebuilding process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a roller is held in a bench vise by squeezing the outside surface, then the roller can be secured for disassembly and cleaning, but the roller may slip out or become deformed and damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding securityVSAvoidroller damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device is divided into multiple segmented components: a first holder with an outer angled contact rim that contacts the roller, a second holder with a similar rim, and a support frame with end brackets. This segmentation allows the roller to be held securely at multiple contact points without applying excessive concentrated force that would cause deformation or slippage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer angled contact rims of the holders serve as intermediary elements between the roller and the vise jaws. These rims provide a distributed contact surface that secures the roller axially while preventing direct compression of the roller body, thereby avoiding deformation and surface damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the vise is tightened enough to prevent roller movement, then the roller is held securely, but the roller surface is dented and scarred

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroller position stabilityVSAvoidroller surface quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The holding system uses segmented holders with angled contact rims that distribute the securing force across multiple contact points. This segmentation prevents excessive localized pressure on the roller surface, maintaining surface quality while ensuring position stability during disassembly and cleaning operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The angled contact rims act as intermediary elements that transmit holding force to the roller in a distributed manner. This intermediary contact mechanism provides stable roller positioning without creating concentrated stresses that would cause surface dents or scars.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of repair

If pushing, pulling, rocking and twisting forces are applied during rebuild operations, then internal elements can be removed and replaced, but the roller slips out of the vise and becomes damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisassembly capabilityVSAvoidroller damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The holder assembly is segmented into multiple components (first holder, second holder, end brackets, support frame) that work together to constrain the roller. This segmentation provides multi-directional support that prevents the roller from slipping during the application of pushing, pulling, rocking and twisting forces required for removing and replacing internal elements like axles and bearings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer angled contact rims serve as intermediary elements that maintain roller positioning stability during repair operations. These rims provide continuous contact and constraint, preventing the roller from moving or slipping even when significant forces are applied to remove and install internal components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a universal holder design is used to accommodate rollers of all sizes, then versatility is improved, but the holding precision for specific roller dimensions may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroller size accommodationVSAvoidholding alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The holder design incorporates dynamic adaptability through adjustable end brackets and support frame components that can be positioned to accommodate rollers of various sizes. The outer angled contact rims are designed with sufficient length and appropriate angles to provide precise alignment and secure holding for different roller diameters and lengths while maintaining holding precision through the adjustable configuration of the support structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9844856B2Universal roller rebuilder apparatus and method
Publication Date: 2017.12.19 MCPHEARSON ROLAND
  • US9844856B2 patent drawing
  • US9844856B2 patent drawing
  • US9844856B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A universal roller rebuilder apparatus and method includes a first holder, with an outer angled contact rim. The outer angled contact rim at least partially surrounds an access hole and further is conformed to contact with a roller. The roller includes at least one removable element inside the roller. A second holder includes an outer angled contact rim that at least partially surrounds an access hole. A pair of end brackets are connected with a support frame where the first holder is connected with one end bracket and the second holder is connected with the other end bracket. The pair of end brackets support the first holder and the second holder in alignment such that the roller is held in position with the aligned holders. A puller aligns and connects with the roller in the same alignment as the first holder and the second holder.