Swivel Assembly with Ring Gear Bearing for Drilling Machine
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swivel assemblies for drilling machines are complex, costly, and heavy due to multiple interconnecting components, leading to asymmetric rotation and non-uniform rotational speed, necessitating an improved design for enhanced efficiency and simplicity.
Innovation Solution
A swivel assembly featuring a positioning member pivotally coupled to a boom member, a bearing assembly with a ring gear system, and actuators that allow the feed table to rotate uniformly and symmetrically about a rotational axis, reducing complexity and weight while improving rotational speed and torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional linkage assembly with multiple interconnecting components is used, then the feed assembly can achieve rotation relative to the boom, but the complexity, cost, and weight of the machine increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated swivel assembly. The bearing assembly integrates the rotational support function, while the positioning member with pivotal coupling combines positioning and rotation capabilities. This merging eliminates the need for separate linkage components, directly reducing device complexity while maintaining rotation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The swivel assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides rotation of the feed assembly relative to the boom, maintains precise positioning capability, and supports the structural load. The bearing assembly and positioning member are designed to perform multiple roles, reducing the need for additional specialized components and thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional linkage assembly is used, then rotation can be provided, but the rotation becomes asymmetric about the rotational axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately employs asymmetric design in the positioning member and bearing assembly configuration to achieve symmetric rotation performance. The positioning member has pivotal coupling points positioned asymmetrically relative to the bearing assembly, which compensates for potential asymmetries in the bearing itself. This asymmetric arrangement of components ensures that the feed assembly rotates symmetrically about the rotational axis, improving manufacturing precision of the rotation motion.
3Ease of operation
If a conventional linkage assembly is used, then rotation can be achieved, but the rotational speed is not uniform throughout the range of rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic design elements in the swivel assembly to maintain uniform rotational speed throughout the rotation range. The bearing assembly is designed with optimized clearance and load distribution that adapts to different positions during rotation. The positioning member's pivotal coupling allows for dynamic adjustment of the rotation path, ensuring that the feed assembly maintains constant angular velocity regardless of its position in the rotation range.
4Device complexity
If a simplified swivel assembly is used, then weight and cost are reduced, but rotational precision and control may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkage systems with a more sophisticated bearing assembly design. Instead of using multiple mechanical linkages with joints and pins, the invention uses a precision bearing assembly that provides the same rotational function with fewer parts. This substitution maintains rotational precision while reducing the number of components, directly addressing the contradiction between simplicity and precision.
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 lightweight, cost-effective, and efficient swivel assembly with precise and symmetrical rotation, enhancing the operability and usability of the drilling machine by reducing power requirements and increasing compatibility with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The bearing assembly is adapted to rotate about a rotational axis
Data Source
AI summary
A swivel assembly for a drilling machine is provided. The swivel assembly includes a positioning member pivotally coupled to a boom member associated with the drilling machine. The swivel assembly also includes a bearing assembly coupled to each of the positioning member and a feed table associated with the drilling machine. The bearing assembly is adapted to rotate about a rotational axis. The swivel assembly further includes at least one actuator operably coupled to the bearing assembly. The bearing assembly is adapted to selectively rotate the feed table relative to the positioning member about the rotational axis based, at least in part, on an actuation of the at least one actuator.