Movable Hub Belt Tensioning for Precise Spindle Pulley Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional belt tensioner devices in material removal machines are imprecise, offer a limited range of tension settings, and obstruct belt attachment/removal due to their placement along the belt.
Innovation Solution
A movable hub system replaces conventional belt tensioners, allowing for precise adjustment of belt tension by changing the position of the spindle pulley relative to the actuator pulley, enabling a wider range of tension settings and facilitating easy belt attachment/removal by eliminating obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional belt tensioner devices are positioned along the belt to adjust tension, then belt tension can be adjusted, but the tension adjustment is imprecise and the range of potential tensions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the hub movable rather than fixed. The hub can be positioned at different locations along the belt, allowing continuous adjustment of belt tension. This dynamic positioning capability enables both precise tension control and a wide range of tension settings, resolving the contradiction between precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the position parameter of the hub along the belt to achieve different tension values. By varying the hub's location, the system can precisely control belt tension and provide a broad range of tension settings, simultaneously improving both measurement precision and adaptability.
2Reliability
If belt tensioner devices are positioned near the belt to adjust tension, then belt tension can be controlled, but the devices constitute obstructions when attaching and/or removing the belt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tensioning function from a fixed obstruction device and integrates it into a movable hub that can be positioned along the belt. This allows the tension control function to be maintained while eliminating the obstruction problem during belt attachment and removal, as the hub can be moved out of the way when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
By making the hub movable, the system dynamically adjusts its position based on operational needs. During belt attachment/removal, the hub can be positioned to avoid obstructions, while during operation, it can be positioned to provide optimal tension control, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed belt tensioners are used to maintain belt tension, then tension stability is achieved, but the tension range is limited and precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The movable hub provides dynamic tension adjustment capability while maintaining operational stability. The hub can be precisely positioned at various locations along the belt to achieve different stable tension levels, combining both stability and precision that fixed tensioners cannot provide.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems, and/or methods for adjusting belt tension in a material removal machine are disclosed. In some examples, the material removal machine includes a material removal tool secured on a spindle. A spindle pulley may be secured to the spindle, such that rotation of the spindle pulley causes the material removal tool to be rotated via the spindle. The material removal machine may further include a movable hub that retains the spindle, such that movement of the hub translated into movement of the spindle. Because the spindle pulley is securely attached to the spindle, movement of the hub may translate into movement of the spindle pulley. This movement of the spindle pulley may change a distance between the spindle pulley and an actuator pulley, thereby changing the tension in a belt connecting the spindle pulley and the actuator pulley.