Support Roller Crank Assembly for Compact High-Load Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing displacement devices, such as screw jack type systems and traditional cam-follower systems, are either too large and heavy for compact applications or inefficient in terms of space usage and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A compact crank assembly is developed, which includes an electric motor with a rotatable output shaft and a displacement arm assembly. The displacement arm assembly features a swingable crank arm with a support roller bearing that can engage the load, allowing for displacement across the rotation axis of the motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw jack type system is used to displace a load, then the load can be displaced reliably, but the system becomes large and heavy, occupying excessive space and increasing cost and energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement system is segmented into a motor assembly and a separate displacement arm assembly. The displacement arm assembly includes a crank arm rotatably coupled to the motor output shaft and a displacement arm rotatably coupled to the crank arm, allowing the load to be displaced vertically. This segmentation enables a more compact and lighter system compared to traditional screw jack systems while maintaining reliable load displacement capability.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional cam-follower system is used, then the motor can shift the load, but the system occupies relatively large space and has reduced displacement distance because the follower cannot cross the rotation axis of the cam
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the follower constrained to one side of the rotation axis as in traditional cam-follower systems, this invention inverts the approach by allowing the displacement arm to cross the rotation axis of the crank arm. The displacement arm can move from a first position on one side of the rotation axis to a second position on the opposite side, effectively doubling the displacement distance and reducing the overall space required for the system.
3Area of stationary object
If a compact displacement device is used, then space is reduced, but the displacement distance and load capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a single-dimensional linear displacement mechanism to a two-dimensional rotational mechanism. The crank arm rotates about the motor output shaft rotation axis, and the displacement arm rotates about its own pivot axis, creating a four-bar linkage mechanism. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve greater displacement distance within a compact footprint by utilizing rotational motion in multiple planes rather than linear motion in a single direction.
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 compact crank assembly enables increased displacement distance within reduced space, reduces costs, weight, and energy consumption compared to conventional systems, while maintaining efficient load displacement.
Implementation Method 1
The displacement arm assembly includes a support roller bearing rotatably supported on the swingable crank arm proximate the displacement end. The support roller bearing is configured to engage the load.
Data Source
AI summary
A crank assembly for displacing a load includes a motor and a displacement arm assembly. The motor includes a rotatable output shaft that defines a rotation axis. The displacement arm assembly includes a swingable crank arm and a support roller bearing. The swingable crank arm is coupled to the output shaft to swing about the rotation axis when the output shaft rotates. The swingable crank arm defines a pivot end adjacent the rotation axis and an opposite displacement end. The support roller bearing is rotatably supported on the swingable crank arm proximate the displacement end. The support roller bearing is configured to engage the load. The support roller bearing defines a bearing axis, which is substantially parallel to and offset from the rotation axis.