Rotary Quick-Connect Mover Assembly for Tool-Free Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional linear drive transport systems require tools for disassembly and replacement of movers, making service and maintenance inefficient, costly, and time-consuming due to direct fastening of platforms to movers.
Innovation Solution
A quick connect mechanism between movers and platforms, utilizing a tab and ridge system that allows for tool-free connection and disconnection by rotating the movers relative to the platform, enabling fast and efficient serviceability and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If platforms are fastened directly to movers with screws or other fasteners, then the connection is strong and reliable, but service and replacement of movers requires tools and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is segmented into separate components: a platform with a cylindrical recess and ridges, and a mover with a tab. This segmentation allows the mover to be quickly disconnected from the platform by rotating it, enabling tool-free service and replacement while maintaining a reliable connected state during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism transitions from a static fastened state to a dynamic quick-connect state. The mover can be rapidly connected by aligning and pushing the tab into the cylindrical recess, and disconnected by rotating the mover relative to the platform, transforming the service process from time-consuming to efficient.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional fastening methods are used, then the structure is simple, but replacement and servicing is inefficient and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into distinct components (platform with cylindrical recess and ridges, mover with tab) that can be manufactured separately using simple processes, yet when assembled provide quick-connect functionality that dramatically improves service efficiency and reduces maintenance costs.
3Strength
If movers are directly fastened to platforms, then the connection is secure, but disassembly requires tools making it inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism uses dynamic motion (rotation) to achieve both secure connection and easy disconnection. During operation, the tab is constrained by the ridges providing strong connection, but for service, the mover can be rotated to disengage the tab from the cylindrical recess, enabling tool-free removal while maintaining connection strength during use.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes quick connect features of a mover assembly for a linear motor system. The mover assembly may include a platform and at least two movers. The movers may include a linkage feature and the platform at least two linkage elements. The movers may be removably coupled to the platform by rotating the movers relative to the platform between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In an engaged position, the linkage element of the platform may retain the linkage feature of the mover and the linkage element and the linkage feature may translationally couple the mover and the platform.