Split Shaft Assembly for Fast Machine Swaps and Timing Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bottle and can processing machine lines require cumbersome and time-consuming disassembly of machine arrangements connected by shafts to switch between different types of bottles or cans, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A split shaft design that allows machine arrangements to be swapped without disassembling the shaft connections, featuring two sections that can be easily decoupled and re-engaged with rotational alignment indicators for correct timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If machine arrangements are connected by shafts to convey drive power and mechanical timing, then reliable power transmission and timing are achieved, but the machine arrangements become difficult to swap or modify without disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is divided into two separate sections: a first shaft section and a second shaft section. The first shaft section remains connected to the first machine arrangement, while the second shaft section can be disconnected and reconnected to a different machine arrangement. This segmentation allows the shaft connection to be split into separable parts, enabling easy swapping of machine arrangements while maintaining reliable power transmission when connected.
2Adaptability or versatility
If machine arrangements are disassembled to disconnect shafts for swapping, then machine arrangement replacement is possible, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the shaft into two sections that can be independently connected and disconnected, the invention eliminates the need to disassemble the entire machine arrangement. The first shaft section stays with the first machine arrangement, while the second shaft section can be quickly swapped with different machine arrangements, dramatically reducing the time and cost of replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
The split shaft acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the machine arrangement and the drive system. The second shaft section serves as a removable intermediary that can be transferred between different machine arrangements, enabling quick swaps without affecting the core machine arrangement structure or requiring full disassembly.
3Manufacturing precision
If shaft connections are made secure to ensure accurate mechanical timing, then timing precision is maintained, but the connections become difficult to quickly disconnect and reconnect
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is segmented into two sections with a specific connection interface designed to maintain precise mechanical timing when connected. The first shaft section and second shaft section can be securely joined to ensure accurate timing, yet the segmented design allows this secure connection to be quickly made and broken without permanent fastening, resolving the contradiction between secure connection and quick-change capability.
Data Source
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Figure 1C
AI summary
A split shaft is disclosed. The split shaft includes a proximal shaft section having a first proximal shaft end and a second proximal shaft end. The first proximal shaft end is configured to couple to the first machine arrangement. The split shaft further includes a distal shaft section having a first distal shaft end and a second distal shaft end. The first distal shaft end is configured to couple to the second machine arrangement. The second distal shaft end is configured to engage with the second proximal shaft end to convey the drive power from the first machine arrangement to the second machine arrangement. The second proximal shaft end includes a first indicator, and the second distal shaft end includes a second indicator. Alignment of the first indicator and the second indicator conveys timing for the drive power.