Stop Module Rotation Damper Viscous Damping Conveyor Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stop modules for automated machining and conveyor systems face high structural complexity and manufacturing costs due to the difficulty in damping the motion of stop elements between positions, leading to potential damage to moving objects.
Innovation Solution
A stop module with a rotation damper and a freewheel device, utilizing a Gerotor mechanism and toggle lever system, allows for simple and effective damping of the stop element's motion, reducing forces on moving objects and enabling gentle stopping, while a restoring device with a compression or tension spring ensures easy return to the initial position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a damping device with damping piston and throttle restriction is used to dampen stop member motion, then the motion damping effect is achieved, but the structural complexity and manufacturing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical damping system (damping piston, damping cylinder, throttle restriction) with a rotation damper that uses viscous fluid damping. The rotation damper consists of an inner rotor connected to the stop member, an outer rotor with viscous damping material, and a freewheel mechanism, eliminating the need for complex hydraulic or pneumatic damping components while achieving effective motion damping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs viscous fluid damping in the rotation damper, where the inner rotor rotates within the outer rotor filled with viscous damping material. The viscous fluid creates resistance to rotation through shear stress, providing effective damping without the structural complexity of traditional mechanical damping devices. This hydraulic/viscous approach simplifies the overall structure while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a complex damping device is implemented, then motion damping is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical damping components (damping piston, damping cylinder, throttle restriction mechanisms) with a simpler rotation damper assembly using viscous fluid damping. The rotation damper comprises an inner rotor, outer rotor with viscous material, and freewheel mechanism, which are simpler to manufacture and assemble, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining effective motion damping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the damping mechanism from mechanical contact-based damping to viscous fluid-based damping. By using viscous damping material in the outer rotor, the system achieves effective motion damping through fluid shear resistance rather than mechanical friction, which simplifies manufacturing and reduces costs associated with precision mechanical damping components.
3Productivity
If the stop element moves quickly between positions, then productivity is improved, but objects may be damaged due to excessive stopping forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rotation damper with viscous damping material that provides beforehand cushioning during the stopping process. When the stop member encounters an object, the viscous damping material in the outer rotor creates progressive resistance, cushioning the stopping action and preventing sudden impact forces that could damage the object, while still allowing for relatively quick positioning between stops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful impact force into useful viscous damping action. When the stop member strikes an object, the kinetic energy is dissipated through the viscous damping material in the rotation damper, which transforms the harmful impact into controlled energy dissipation, protecting objects from damage while maintaining system productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a structurally simple and cost-effective damping mechanism that minimizes forces on moving objects, preventing damage and allowing for efficient operation in automated machining and conveyor systems.
Implementation Method 1
the damping device damps the motion of the stop element from the first stop position to the second terminal stop position with a rotation damper
Implementation Method 2
the outer rotor is located eccentrically to the inner rotor
Data Source
AI summary
A stop module has a base body, a stop element configured for objects moving in a direction of motion in a movement plane and located on the base body, a drive device for moving the stop element between a first terminal position, in which the stop element protrudes into the movement plane of the objects, and a second terminal position, in which the stop element enables a motion of objects in the movement plane, and a damping device cooperating with the stop element for damping a motion of the stop element from a first stop position into a second terminal stop position, which is offset relative to the first stop position at least approximately in the direction of motion of the objects, when an object is resting on the stop element, the damping device being configured so as to damp the motion of the stop element from the first stop position to the second terminal stop position with a rotation damper.