Shuttle Stopper Alignment and Safety Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shuttle systems fail to ensure accurate and safe positioning on rails, leading to potential safety risks due to incorrect alignment, especially when used on various rail configurations.
Innovation Solution
A shuttle stopper device with an alignment portion and a safety portion, configured to attach to the rail, ensuring proper alignment by allowing the shuttle pin to pass through only when correctly positioned, and preventing incorrect orientation through asymmetrical design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a shuttle is designed to operate on various rail configurations, then adaptability is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shuttle stopper as an intermediary device that attaches to the rail and provides standardized positioning features. The stopper includes an alignment portion with an alignment surface that interfaces with the shuttle, creating a reliable connection regardless of the specific rail configuration. This intermediary component enables the shuttle to achieve accurate positioning across different rail types without requiring custom designs for each rail configuration.
2Reliability
If the shuttle stopper includes both alignment and safety portions, then positioning reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shuttle stopper is divided into two functional segments: an alignment portion and a safety portion. The alignment portion, with its alignment surface, handles the positioning function by engaging with the shuttle. The safety portion, positioned at a greater distance from the center axis, provides the safety mechanism by preventing the shuttle from advancing if misaligned. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve reliable positioning without excessive overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Various devices, assemblies, components, systems, and methods are provided relating to a shuttle stopper to facilitate alignment of a shuttle with a rail. An example shuttle stopper may include an alignment portion defining an alignment surface configured to face inwardly towards a center axis of the rail. The alignment surface may define a first distance to the center axis. The shuttle stopper may further include a safety portion defining a safety surface configured to face inwardly towards a center axis of the rail on an opposite side of the center axis from the alignment surface. The safety surface may define a second distance to the center axis. The second distance may be greater than the first distance. The shuttle stopper may be configured to rigidly attach to the rail.