Rotatable Joint Opening Tool With Slewing Ring and Shaft Grippers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotatable joints in heavy machinery, such as cone crushers, tend to tighten during operation, requiring significant force to open and are difficult to manage with conventional tools, posing safety risks and inefficiencies during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A tool featuring a slewing ring, a first grip member with form-locking surfaces, and a second grip member with actuators that move grippers to securely engage and rotate the joint, allowing for safe and efficient opening and closing of the joint by distributing force evenly around the nut's periphery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional impact-based tools are used to open the rotatable joint, then the joint can be opened, but the operation is difficult due to lack of space and poses safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into multiple functional components: a first grip member that engages with the nut, a second grip member that engages with the main shaft, and actuators that provide controlled motion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while improving overall safety and operability in confined spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The tool acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the rotatable joint. It provides a safe interface by eliminating direct contact with dangerous impact tools while maintaining effective force transmission through form-locking engagement and controlled actuation mechanisms
2Productivity
If conventional impact-based tools are used to open the rotatable joint, then the joint can be opened, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces impact-based mechanical tools with a controlled actuation system. The actuators provide steady, controlled rotational force to open or close the joint, eliminating the trial-and-error nature of impact tools and significantly reducing maintenance time
Solution Approach 2:
The tool changes the operational parameters from high-impact, intermittent force application to continuous, controlled rotational motion. This parameter change allows for more efficient and predictable operation, improving productivity while reducing the time required for maintenance tasks
3Force
If the nut is loosened with concentrated force, then the joint can be opened, but the nut tends to bite into the thread due to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The first grip member is designed with form-locking surfaces that engage with the external form of the nut, distributing the loosening force evenly around the nut's periphery. This local adaptation ensures that force is applied at multiple contact points rather than concentrated at a single point, preventing deformation and biting into the thread
Solution Approach 2:
The tool transitions from applying force in a single dimension (impact tools) to distributing force across multiple dimensions by engaging the nut at multiple points around its circumference. This dimensional distribution of force prevents localized deformation while achieving the necessary separating force to open the joint
4Adaptability or versatility
If a tool is designed to engage with the nut and main shaft, then the joint can be controlled, but the device structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is designed with universal engagement capabilities: the first grip member can adapt to the nut's external form through form-locking surfaces, while the second grip member engages with the main shaft. The actuators provide both rotational motion and gripping force, making the tool versatile for different joint configurations without requiring multiple specialized tools
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated tool: engagement with the nut, engagement with the main shaft, provision of gripping force, and generation of rotational motion. This consolidation achieves joint control capability while managing device complexity by combining rather than multiplying components
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 safe and rapid operation of rotatable joints, reducing the risk of accidents and lowering maintenance costs by providing a method to open and close largish joints efficiently and safely.
Implementation Method 1
a second grip member, arranged in connection with the first grip member, having actuators (21) that move the grippers (23)
Implementation Method 2
The gripper has a cylindrical surface which likewise adapts on the cylindrical surface of the main shaft and has gripper pieces to improve the friction characteristics of the gripper
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for opening and/or closing rotatable joints, includes a slewing ring, a first grip member, and a second grip member. The first grip member is an annular plate. The second grip member includes two identical gripper arrangements, which include a gripper, an actuator, and bearing members of the actuator. The slewing ring includes an annular upper plate and an annular guide plate, between which plates grippers of the second grip member are arranged. The guide plate is arranged to slide in slots of slide pieces, which are in connection with the first grip member. The bearing members of the actuators are in connection with the first grip member, which actuators are arranged to move the grippers of the second grip member. The grippers are fastened to the slewing ring in a pivoted manner and arranged to grip the shaft of the joint.