Tampon Printing Machine Frame Connecting Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional machine frames face challenges in connecting carrier elements to rod elements in a simple and precise manner, often requiring complex devices that are difficult to operate.

Innovation Solution

A connecting device featuring a clamping element, collar element, and tapered gap design allows for easy and precise alignment and clamping of rod elements to carrier elements, using a clamping screw and collar element with a flange section and radially inner sleeve, ensuring secure fixation without altering the alignment during assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional connecting devices are used to connect support element to rod elements, then precise positioning is achieved, but the device becomes complex and difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidconnecting device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device is segmented into distinct functional components: a clamping element for securing, a sleeve element for positioning and guiding, and a support element with opening. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure simple and easy to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sleeve element acts as an intermediary component between the clamping element and the rod element. It provides a precise fitting surface that ensures accurate positioning while the clamping element applies securing force, separating the positioning and clamping functions into different components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional connecting devices are used to connect support element to rod elements, then secure connection is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a complex threading mechanism where the clamping element threads directly into the support element, the design inverts the approach by using a sleeve element that fits into an opening in the support element. The clamping element then clamps onto this sleeve, reversing the traditional connection sequence and simplifying the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The tapered geometry of the sleeve element within the opening creates a self-aligning and self-centering mechanism. As the clamping element is tightened, the tapered surfaces guide the components into proper alignment automatically, reducing the need for precise manual positioning and making assembly easier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If direct clamping of rod element by clamping element is used, then assembly is simple, but positioning precision is lost during tightening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidpositioning stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sleeve element serves as an intermediary between the clamping element and the rod element. During tightening, the clamping element clamps onto the sleeve element rather than directly onto the rod element, preventing any movement or shift in the rod element's position. The sleeve remains stationary relative to the support element, ensuring positioning stability throughout the clamping process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sleeve element is预先 installed in the opening of the support element with precise positioning features before the clamping operation. This preliminary positioning action establishes the correct location and orientation, which is then maintained during the clamping process since the clamping element acts on the sleeve rather than the rod element directly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables straightforward and precise connection of machine frame components, maintaining alignment and position accuracy during assembly, with reduced operational complexity and enhanced manufacturing simplicity.

Implementation Method 1

a gap, preferably annular, is formed in the radial direction between the sleeve element and a wall of the support element that delimits the opening or recess, which tapers in a wedge shape in the axial direction towards the outer flange section of the sleeve element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWedge: Wedge

Implementation Method 2

the clamping element is drawn axially deeper into the gap by tightening the clamping element, thereby pressing the sleeve element with its contact surface radially inwards against the fastening section of the rod element, consequently clamping the connecting device between the rod element and the support element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3441225B1Tampon printing machine frame
Publication Date: 2019.09.25 TAMPOPRINT GMBH
  • EP3441225B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3441225B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3441225B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a machine frame, wherein the machine frame comprises several rod elements with a cylindrically designed fastening section and at least one support element with openings or recesses for the rod elements, wherein the rod elements can each be connected to the support element by means of a connecting device with a respective opening or recess in order to form the machine frame in an assembly state.