Elastomer Tool Belt With Integrated Cams for Stronger Tool Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool carriers in cutting and harvesting machines face challenges such as complex constructions, high manufacturing efforts, and strength reduction due to tool attachment methods, leading to increased drive power and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A band-shaped tool carrier made of elastomeric material with embedded reinforcing elements and raised connecting elements or cams on the back side, allowing for easy tool attachment and maintenance without damaging the belt's strength, enabling high tool force transmission and variability in tool usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If tools are attached to the belt using brackets or bearing bodies connected by bolts or rivets, then tools can be securely fastened to the belt, but the belt strength is reduced and the construction becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the attachment function from complex mechanical fasteners (bolts, rivets, brackets) and integrates it directly into the belt structure through molded-in bearing bodies and bearing plates. This eliminates the need for separate fastening components while maintaining secure tool attachment, thereby reducing construction complexity without compromising belt strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the attachment mechanism with the belt structure itself by integrating bearing bodies and bearing plates directly into the belt during manufacturing. This consolidation eliminates separate fastening components and reduces the number of parts, simplifying the overall construction while maintaining secure tool attachment capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple openings and bores are arranged in the timing belt for fastening components, then tools can be mounted, but the belt strength is adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by pre-integrating bearing bodies and bearing plates into the belt structure during manufacturing, before tool attachment is needed. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for subsequent drilling of openings and bores, thereby maintaining belt strength while enabling versatile tool mounting capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the need for openings and bores by integrating the attachment function directly into the belt structure through molded-in bearing bodies. This eliminates the harmful effect of drilling holes in the belt, preserving belt strength while maintaining adaptability for various tool mounting configurations.
3Speed
If the belt is designed as a rotating band knife or saw, then cutting speed increases, but acceleration and braking processes in oscillating designs reduce efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies dynamics by enabling the belt to operate in continuous rotation mode rather than oscillating motion. This dynamic transition from reciprocating to continuous motion eliminates acceleration and braking cycles, maintaining high cutting speed while reducing energy consumption and improving overall system efficiency.
4Force
If reinforcing elements are embedded in the belt, then the belt can transmit high tool forces, but the attachment method must not damage these reinforcing elements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by designing bearing bodies and bearing plates with localized force distribution features that concentrate attachment forces away from the reinforcing elements. This localized force management allows the belt to transmit high tool forces through the elastomeric material without concentrating stress on the reinforcing elements, thereby maintaining their integrity and reliability.
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 facilitates simple tool changes, maintains belt strength, and allows for high tool force transmission, reducing energy consumption and increasing cutting speed, while maintaining flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a belt-shaped or strap-like support element made of elastomeric material extending along its drive direction
Implementation Method 2
which is provided with embedded reinforcing elements or tension members extending in its longitudinal direction
Implementation Method 3
raised connecting elements or cams, preferably made of the same material, which are bonded to the carrier element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Tool (10) carrying belt. Band-shaped, driveable tool carrier (2) which has a belt-shaped or belt-like support element (3) extending along its drive direction (5) and made of elastomeric material, which is provided with embedded reinforcing elements or tension members extending in its longitudinal direction, wherein the support element (3) has a preferably profiled drive side (11) cooperating with at least one drive roller (6) and a working or back side (8), wherein on the working or back side (8) of the support element (3) raised connecting elements (9) or cams (101, 91) are provided, preferably made of the same material, which are designed to connect the support element (3) to the respective tools (10) or to devices for receiving tools (10).