Self-levelling Equipment Side Plate Transverse Constraint

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing self-levelling milling machines face instability due to vibratory transverse forces, which affects the engagement of the adjustment frame with the main frame, leading to precision and stability issues during the manipulation of solid surfaces.

Innovation Solution

The self-levelling equipment incorporates a side plate constrained to second pins, which prevents transverse translations between the frame and support means, ensuring stable engagement and maintaining constant manipulation depth through a compliant connection system involving a first pin, transmission element, and arm, allowing for precise control of the manipulation depth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the adjustment frame is engaged with the main frame using engagement pins and slots, then the adjustment frame can be positioned and adjusted, but the engagement becomes unstable under vibratory transverse forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment frame positioningVSAvoidengagement stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a side plate that constrains the engagement pin in a direction transverse to the main engagement slot. This adds a dimensional constraint (transverse direction) to the existing engagement mechanism, preventing transverse movements and stabilizing the connection under vibratory forces while maintaining the adjustment capability along the slot direction.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The side plate acts as an intermediary element between the engagement pin and the frame structure. It provides additional support and constraint to the engagement pin, mediating the transverse forces and preventing instability without interfering with the primary adjustment function along the slot.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If replacement engagement rails and pins are used to improve engagement, then the connection may be stronger, but the stability under vibratory forces is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement connectionVSAvoidvibratory stability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of merely strengthening the existing engagement components, the patent adds a side plate that constrains the pin in the transverse dimension. This dimensional constraint addresses the stability issue under vibration while preserving the adjustment capability, avoiding the need for heavier or stronger but less flexible engagement components.

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

3Length of moving object

If the support means are lowered to increase manipulation depth, then the penetration depth increases, but the stability and precision of manipulation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanipulation depthVSAvoidmanipulation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The side plate adds transverse constraint to the support means, preventing lateral movements that would compromise precision. This allows the support means to be positioned at various depths while maintaining stability and precision through the additional dimensional constraint provided by the side plate engagement.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4269701B1Self-levelling equipment for manipulating solid surfaces
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 FAE GROUP SPA
  • EP4269701B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4269701B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

It is provided a self-levelling equipment (1) for manipulating solid surfaces comprising a support frame (2), manipulating means (3) rotatable, relative to the frame (2), around a rotation axis (3a) and configured to manipulate a solid surface, support means (4) movable, relative to the frame (2), along a main plane (4a) transverse to the rotation axis (3a) and including at least a second bulkhead (40) comprising at least one support surface (41) configured to move in support of the solid surface, a first guide (42) arranged on a side opposite to the support surface (41) two second guides (43) separate and opposite to and arranged along an intermediate trajectory (4b) normal to the solid surface, adjustment means (5) configured to adjust the relative position between the frames (2, 4) and including a first pin (50), movably engaged in the first guide (42) and rotating, on command, relative to the frame (2), around an axis parallel to the rotation axis (3a) to move, in proportion to the rotation, the support means (4) along at least one direction parallel to the main plane (4a), wherein the frame (2) includes a first bulkhead (20) including at least two second pins (21) each movably engaged in a respective second guide (43), and wherein the equipment (1) further comprises a side plate (6) constrained to the second pins (21) at opposite ends to the first bulkhead (20) and extending parallel to the main plane (4a) so as to prevent relative translations between the frame (2) and the support means (4) transverse to the main plane (4a).