Rotating Belt Winder Cover for Masonry Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing belt winders face issues with alignment and planarity defects in masonry structures, leading to aesthetic and functional problems, as prior solutions either cannot adjust to structural defects or require irreversible fixing, potentially damaging the wall and limiting flexibility in belt fitting and cover replacement.

Innovation Solution

A winding device with a cover that features a rotating and adjustable design, utilizing pins and slots for elastic snap-on attachment, allowing for vertical and angular adjustments to align perfectly with the masonry structure, and a removable portion for belt access without compromising the cover's integrity or aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cover is rigidly fixed to the anchor plate with screws, then the fixing is strong and reliable, but the cover position cannot be adjusted relative to the supporting plate or wall

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidposition adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is designed with a snap-on attachment mechanism using elastic pins that engage with slots in the anchor plate. This allows the cover to be dynamically adjusted to different positions and angles after installation, while still maintaining a secure fixed state when positioned correctly. The elastic pins provide both flexibility for adjustment and reliability when engaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system is segmented into separate components: elastic pins with projections, slots in the anchor plate, and a snap-on mechanism. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the cover position while maintaining secure fixing, resolving the contradiction between fixed reliability and position adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Shape

If the cover is fixed irreversibly to compensate for alignment defects, then the appearance is improved, but the wall may be damaged and future adjustments are prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment appearanceVSAvoidwall damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover position and orientation parameters can be changed by detaching and reattaching the elastic pins in different slot positions. This allows adjustment of alignment appearance without irreversible modifications to the wall, eliminating the need for damaging corrective measures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The snap-on mechanism with elastic pins allows the cover to self-adjust to proper alignment through simple attachment detachment and reattachment, without requiring external tools or irreversible wall modifications. The system serves itself to achieve proper alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Shape

If the cover is fixed irreversibly, then alignment defects are compensated, but time and resources are wasted on complex fitting procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment appearanceVSAvoidfitting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic snap-on attachment allows rapid adjustment of the cover position and angle by simply detaching and reattaching the elastic pins, eliminating time-consuming irreversible fixing procedures. Alignment can be achieved quickly through multiple attempted positions if needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cover can be pre-positioned and aligned before final attachment, allowing fitting personnel to plan and prepare the correct position in advance. This preliminary positioning reduces the need for repeated adjustments and speeds up the overall fitting process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If a lateral notch is added to the cover for belt access, then the belt can reach the hole after fitting, but the cover's aesthetic appearance is compromised and stiffness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebelt access easeVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The belt access function is extracted from the main cover body and implemented through the removable portion mechanism. The portion can be detached to allow belt access to the hole, then reattached to restore the cover's continuous aesthetic appearance and structural stiffness, eliminating the need for a permanent lateral notch.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover transitions from a static continuous structure to a dynamic structure with a removable portion. This allows the cover to adapt its configuration: closed and aesthetically complete during normal use, and open with belt access during installation and maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

5Shape

If the removable portion is fixed permanently to block the slit, then the cover's aesthetic appearance is maintained, but the device complexity increases for fitting and removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidfitting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is segmented into a main body and a separate removable portion that can be independently detached. This segmentation simplifies the fitting process: the portion is simply attached to block the slit aesthetically, and can be easily removed when belt access is needed, without complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The removable portion serves dual functions: it blocks the slit to maintain aesthetic appearance during normal use, and can be easily removed by the user when belt access is required. The simple attachment mechanism allows the portion to serve itself without requiring complex tools or procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2396489B1Winding device for belts and related cover
Publication Date: 2018.04.04 STAFER
  • EP2396489B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2396489B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7
  • EP2396489B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

A winding device (1) for a pulling belt (2) comprises a winding roller (4) supported by an arm (5) which projects cantilever-style from an anchor plate (6), and a cover (7) for covering the plate (6), the cover comprising a hole (9) through which the belt (2) can pass. The device (1) comprises means (17, 18) for rotating the cover (7) parallel with the plane in which it lies and relative to the plate (6), and for stably maintaining the angle assigned.