Rubber Cot Arbour Loading System with Self-Aligning Trays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional loading systems for rubber cot arbours in grinding or buffing machines require manual handling, skilled labor, and frequent maintenance, leading to inefficiencies, increased production costs, and underutilization of machines due to limited storage capacity and human dependency.

Innovation Solution

An improved loading system comprising a conveying assembly, guiding assembly, cleaning unit, and controller that automates the handling and cleaning of rubber cot arbours, eliminating the need for manual placement and skilled labor, and utilizing a timer-based or sensor-based controller to manage the process, reducing maintenance and optimizing storage capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual handling is used to place rubber cot arbours into trays, then skilled labor can ensure precise placement, but human dependency increases production time and costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplacement precisionVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses self-aligning trays with V-shaped grooves that automatically guide and center the rubber cot arbours during conveyance, eliminating the need for manual alignment while ensuring precise placement. The arbours slide into position automatically due to the geometric design of the trays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical handling by skilled workers is replaced with an automated conveyor system that uses gravity-fed conveyors and self-aligning tray mechanisms to achieve precise placement without human intervention, thereby increasing productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If storage capacity is increased to reduce frequent loading/unloading, then machine utilization improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine utilizationVSAvoidstorage system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is divided into multiple independent trays arranged in a modular fashion, allowing the magazine to hold a large number of arbours while maintaining simple, standardized components that are easy to manufacture and maintain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The storage magazine utilizes vertical space with trays arranged in multiple levels and columns, significantly increasing storage capacity without expanding the horizontal footprint or requiring complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If manual cleaning is performed on rubber cot arbours, then skilled labor ensures proper cleaning, but human dependency increases maintenance requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning qualityVSAvoidmaintenance frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates self-cleaning features where the conveyor mechanism and tray design facilitate automatic removal of debris and contaminants from rubber cot arbours during the loading process, eliminating the need for manual cleaning operations and associated maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If conventional mechanical conveyors are used, then continuous operation is possible, but power consumption increases when no arbours are present

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor system operates in periodic cycles, activating only when arbours are available for processing. The gravity-fed design allows the system to pause without consuming power when the magazine is being replenished or when no arbours are present, while maintaining continuous operation capability when work is available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

The system enhances efficiency by automating the handling and cleaning of rubber cot arbours, reducing labor costs, and minimizing maintenance, while ensuring precise alignment and preventing blockages, thus improving the overall performance and cost-effectiveness of the grinding or buffing machine.

Implementation Method 1

cleaning unit (300)... wherein the cleaning unit (300) cleans the rubber cot arbour

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical cleaning: Brush

Data Source

PatentEP3972780B1An improved loading system for rubber cot arbours in a rubber cot grinding or buffing machine
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 MEVADA JITENDRA ISHWARBHAI
  • EP3972780B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3972780B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3972780B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides an improved loading system for rubber cot arbours in a rubber cot grinding or buffing machine. In particular, it provides improved loading system for rubber cot arbours in a rubber cot grinding or buffing machine that precisely conveys rubber cot arbours; thereby providing error free, continuous and speedy conveying of rubber cot arbours. The present invention comprises of a Conveying Assembly (100), Guiding Assembly (200), Cleaning Unit (300), Driving Unit (400), and a Controller (500). Thus, the present invention requires low maintenance and eliminates the requirement of manually handling the arrangement of arbours into the magazine with the help of skilled manpower; in turn eliminating human dependency.