Spring Transfer Pivot Mechanism for Orientation and Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spring transfer devices require more space and additional re-orientation steps to align springs correctly for assembly, as they often need to change the orientation of springs from horizontal to vertical and align knots/ends during transfer from a spring coiling machine to a transport unit.
Innovation Solution
A spring transfer device with a pivot mechanism that simultaneously pivots and translates springs from a horizontal to a vertical orientation, while rotating them about their longitudinal axis, allowing for direct transfer to a conveyor belt system, thus reducing space requirements and ensuring correct alignment without additional re-orientation means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional spring transfer devices use separate pushers and rotary plates for transferring and orienting springs, then the springs can be transferred and re-oriented, but the device requires more space and additional re-orientation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transfer function and the re-orientation function into a single pivot mechanism. The pivot mechanism simultaneously performs both the transfer of the spring from the coiling machine and the re-orientation from horizontal to vertical position, eliminating the need for separate pushers and rotary plates, thus reducing device space while maintaining alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a transfer mechanism (moving the spring from first location to second location) and an re-orientation mechanism (pivoting the spring from horizontal to vertical orientation). This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and minimizes the overall device footprint
2Productivity
If conventional devices transfer springs horizontally then re-orient to vertical position, then the transfer can be completed, but additional re-orientation means and steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer motion and re-orientation motion are merged into a single pivot mechanism operation. As the pivot mechanism moves from the first location to the second location, it simultaneously pivots the spring from horizontal to vertical orientation, completing both transfer and re-orientation in one continuous motion without additional steps
Solution Approach 2:
The re-orientation action is performed preliminarily during the transfer process itself. The spring is re-oriented to the vertical position while being transferred, so that by the time the spring reaches the second location, it is already in the correct orientation for the conveyor belt system, eliminating the need for subsequent re-orientation operations
Data Source
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AI summary
A spring transfer device (50) and a spring transfer method for transferring a spring (30) from a spring coiling machine (200) to a spring transport unit (300), wherein the spring (30) is taken over from the spring coiling machine (200) at a first location and is moved to a second location for transfer to the spring transport unit (300). A pivot mechanism (51-59) is provided for pivoting the spring (30), during the movement from the first location to the second location, from a first orientation, which the spring (30) has at the first location, to a second orientation, which the spring (30) has at the second location and which is substantially perpendicular to the first orientation. Preferably, the pivot mechanism (51-59) is coupled with a rotating mechanism (70-87) that simultaneously rotates the spring (30) about its longitudinal axis.