Split-Frame Guide Carriage for Stable Clamp-On Wheel Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport systems require complex and unstable adjustments of carriages to linear guides, necessitating skilled operators and prone to frequent loss of adjustment due to eccentric connections.
Innovation Solution
A carriage design with a frame having two parts that clamp onto a guide with predetermined pressure, eliminating the need for adjustments by using screws to tighten the frame parts securely onto the guide, ensuring stable mounting and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an eccentric connection mechanism is used to adjust the third wheel position, then the carriage can be adjusted to the guide, but the adjustment is complex and requires skilled operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the eccentric connection mechanism entirely and replaces it with a direct mounting system where the third wheel is fixed to the carriage body. This extraction of the complex adjustment mechanism eliminates the need for skilled operators while maintaining the functional requirement of wheel guide connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage is divided into separate modular components (first carriage body part, second carriage body part, third wheel) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This segmentation allows for simpler individual components that require no complex adjustment mechanisms, as each part is pre-configured for its specific function.
2Reliability
If an eccentric connection is used for the third wheel, then adjustment can be performed, but the adjustment is lost frequently due to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The unstable eccentric connection is completely removed and replaced with a rigid direct fixation where the third wheel is permanently mounted to the carriage body. This eliminates the instability that causes adjustment loss while maintaining the necessary mechanical connection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The third wheel is pre-positioned and fixed in its correct location during the carriage assembly process, rather than requiring post-assembly adjustment. This preliminary fixation ensures long-term stability without the need for complex or repeatable adjustment mechanisms.
3Productivity
If multiple carriages are adjusted individually, then each carriage can be configured, but the process requires significant time and skilled personnel
Solution Approach 1:
Each carriage is designed as a modular assembly of pre-configured components that can be independently manufactured and tested before final assembly. This segmentation allows for standardized, repeatable assembly procedures that can be performed quickly by less skilled personnel without requiring complex individual adjustments for each carriage.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage components are pre-assembled and pre-adjusted during manufacturing under controlled conditions, so that the final assembly at the transport system location requires only simple connection operations. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site adjustments while maintaining assembly accuracy.
4Reliability
If a simple wheel mounting is used, then assembly is easy, but the connection is not stable and preload cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is segmented into distinct functional elements: positioning features that ensure correct wheel location, and fixation features that provide stable connection. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function without requiring overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The correct wheel position and mounting pressure are pre-established during the carriage assembly process through designed-in positioning and fixation features. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the carriage is installed, the wheels are automatically in the correct positions with proper preload, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms while maintaining stability.
Data Source
AI summary
Carriage for transport systems, comprising a frame (1) on which a plurality of wheels (2A, 2B, 2C; 2D) configured to run on two opposite sides (31, 32) of a guide (3) are mounted. The frame (1) is in two parts (10, 11) on each of which a predetermined number of said wheels (2A, 2B, 2C; 2D) are mounted in respective fixed and predetermined positions. The carriage comprises tightening means (4) for tightening said parts (10, 11). The parts (10, 11) of the frame (1) have respective mating surfaces (101, 111) which are pushed against each other by the tightening means (4). On each of said parts (10, 11) of the frame (1) the wheels are mounted by means of respective fixed pins (PA, PB, PC; PD) protruding from corresponding mounting surfaces (100, 110) orthogonal to the mating surfaces (101, 111).