Rotary Turret Coupling Axial Constraint for Powder Press
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotary powder compression molding machines with gear coupling mechanisms require significant force to prevent the rotary turret from floating, leading to shortened bearing life, increased manufacturing costs, and reduced efficiency in cleaning and coupling state visibility.
Innovation Solution
A rotary powder compression molding machine with a joint apparatus that constrains the rotary turret and vertical shaft axially, using a coupling mechanism with a constrained member and constraining means to maintain coupling and detect the coupling state through gas property changes, eliminating the need for additional mechanisms to prevent floating and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gear coupling mechanism is used to couple the rotary turret and vertical shaft, then the rotary turret can be easily detached for cleaning and manufacturing different tablets, but a great force is applied to the bearing supporting the vertical shaft, shortening its useful life
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static engaged state to a dynamic disengaged state. The movable member can shift axially to engage or disengage the coupling, allowing the system to adapt between operational and maintenance modes without permanent mechanical constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is divided into separate engageable components: a fixed member on the vertical shaft and a movable member on the rotary turret. This segmentation allows independent movement and engagement, enabling easy detachment while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a mechanism for pressing the rotary turret is installed to prevent floating, then the rotary turret can be constrained axially, but the mechanism takes much possession of space within the machine, enlarging the size of the machine
Solution Approach 1:
The axial constraint function is merged into the coupling mechanism itself. The movable member's engagement with the fixed member simultaneously provides both coupling and axial constraint, eliminating the need for a separate pressing mechanism and reducing overall machine volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism serves multiple functions: transmitting rotational motion, enabling easy detachment for cleaning, and providing axial constraint to prevent floating. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a mechanism for pressing the rotary turret is installed to prevent floating, then the axial constraint is maintained, but there is generated a necessity of changing a layout of piping and wiring within a frame, increasing manufacturing time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The axial constraint function is integrated into the existing coupling mechanism structure. The movable member's engagement geometry inherently provides axial positioning, eliminating the need for separate constraint mechanisms and associated piping/wiring modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism self-constrains the rotary turret axially through the engagement geometry of the fixed and movable members. The structure itself provides the constraint function without requiring external pressing mechanisms or additional components.
4Reliability
If the joint mechanism is positioned between the rotary turret and vertical shaft, then the coupling is achieved, but it is impossible to visually observe the coupling state, making it impossible to check for foreign matter intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses detectable property changes (such as gas property changes mentioned in the summary) to indicate coupling state. This allows remote detection of the coupling condition without requiring visual observation of the mechanical interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling detecting mechanism provides feedback about the coupling state. By detecting changes in physical properties (such as gas properties) that occur when coupling is established, the system can monitor and confirm proper engagement without direct visual inspection.
Data Source
AI summary
In a rotary powder compression molding machine in which a rotary turret is provided within a frame via a vertical shaft so as to be horizontally rotatable, a plurality of dies are provided in the rotary turret at a predetermined interval, an upper punch and a lower punch are held kept above and below each of the dies so as to be vertically slidable, a powder filled in the die is compressed and molded by putting the upper punch and the lower punch in which punch tips are inserted into the dies through a portion between an upper roll and a lower roll, a joint apparatus coupling the vertical shaft and the rotary turret so as to be able to detach the rotary turret from the vertical shaft, comprises a coupling mechanism coupling the vertical shaft and the rotary turret while maintaining a state in which the vertical shaft and the rotary turret are constrained in an axial direction of the vertical shaft with each other, and canceling the coupling between the vertical shaft and the rotary turret by canceling the constraining state on the basis of an operation; and a coupling detecting mechanism detecting a fact that the rotary turret is coupled to the vertical shaft by the coupling mechanism.