Shot Processing Retainer and Lifting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shot processing apparatuses with integrated retaining, lifting, and rotating mechanisms are inefficient and less versatile, particularly in multi-table configurations where individual mechanisms are required for each set table in loading, projection, and unloading chambers.
Innovation Solution
A shot processing apparatus with a separate retaining mechanism and lifting mechanism, where the lifting mechanism is coupled to the retaining mechanism only when necessary, allowing for efficient operation in both multi-table and single-table configurations by providing pressing force through a rotatable retainer and transmission mechanism, and optionally including a lock mechanism to maintain pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lifting mechanism and rotating mechanism are integrated as disclosed in Patent Literature 1, then the structure works for single-table configurations, but the structure becomes inefficient and requires individual mechanisms for each set table in multi-table configurations, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the integrated mechanism into separate functional components: a retaining mechanism (with retainer and transmission mechanism) and a lifting mechanism (with pressing holder). This segmentation allows the lifting mechanism to be selectively applied only to set tables in the loading and unloading chambers, while the retaining mechanism with rotational function is distributed to all set tables, reducing overall system complexity in multi-table configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining mechanism is designed with universal applicability across all set tables (loading, projection, and unloading chambers) through the rotatable retainer with transmission mechanism. The lifting mechanism provides additional universal pressing function where needed. This multi-functional design allows a single standardized retaining mechanism to serve multiple purposes across different chamber types, improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
2Productivity
If individual retaining, lifting, and rotating mechanisms are installed for each set table in loading and unloading chambers, then the apparatus can process multiple workpieces, but the cost and structural complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the functional requirements into two parts: retention/rotation (handled by the retainer with transmission mechanism) and pressing (handled by the lifting mechanism with pressing holder). This allows the pressing function to be selectively applied only where needed (loading and unloading chambers) rather than duplicating full integrated mechanisms at every set table location, reducing the total number of mechanisms required
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting mechanism is extracted as a separate optional component from the integrated design. This allows the pressing function to be taken out and applied selectively to specific set tables in loading and unloading chambers, while the projection chamber set tables only require the retaining mechanism, thereby reducing the overall quantity of mechanisms in multi-table configurations
3Force
If the lifting mechanism is always coupled to the retaining mechanism, then pressing force is continuously applied, but the lifting mechanism cannot be selectively positioned above different set tables in multi-table configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism is designed with dynamic positioning capability through the movable pressing holder that can be raised and lowered along the vertical axis. This dynamic structure allows the lifting mechanism to be selectively positioned above different set tables (loading, projection, or unloading chambers) as needed, while maintaining the ability to apply pressing force when coupled with the retaining mechanism. The dynamic nature enables flexible adaptation to multi-table configurations without compromising pressing force application
Data Source
AI summary
A shot processing apparatus according to an aspect includes: a projector; a set table configured to support the workpiece from below and be rotatable about an axis; a retaining mechanism including a retainer opposed to the set table with the workpiece interposed, the retainer being configured to be rotatable about the axis and movable in a direction of the axis; a rotational force driver configured to apply rotational force to the retainer through a transmission mechanism; and a lifting mechanism including a pressing holder capable of being lifted and lowered above the retaining mechanism, the lifting mechanism being at a distance from the retaining mechanism when the pressing holder is located above a reference height, the lifting mechanism applying pressing force to the workpiece through the retainer when the pressing holder is located below the reference height.