Unitary Tool Cradle Support Arm for Faster Bodymaker Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing forward mounting assembly for bodymakers is time-consuming to install, requires precise alignment, and can cause damage if misaligned, occupying valuable industrial space and interfering with other operations.
Innovation Solution
A unitary forward mounting assembly with a cradle portion and support arm portions integrated into a single body, allowing for alignment and assembly at a remote location before coupling to the bodymaker frame, eliminating the need for machined coupling surfaces and alignment processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate cradle and support arms are assembled on-site with machined coupling surfaces, then alignment precision can be achieved, but installation time increases and risk of damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cradle and support arms into a single unitary forward mounting assembly that is pre-assembled and pre-aligned at the manufacturing location. This eliminates the need for on-site alignment of separate components with machined coupling surfaces, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining alignment precision through factory-controlled manufacturing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate cradle and support arms are assembled on-site, then adaptability to different bodymakers is improved, but device complexity and alignment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the forward mounting assembly into a unitary assembly that can be removed and installed as a single module on different bodymaker platforms. This modular approach maintains adaptability to various bodymakers while reducing assembly complexity by eliminating the need to align multiple separate components during installation.
3Strength
If machined coupling surfaces are used for cradle and support arms, then connection strength is improved, but installation difficulty and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle and support arms are pre-assembled and pre-strengthened with appropriate connections at the manufacturing location before being installed as a unitary assembly. This preliminary action ensures connection strength is achieved during manufacturing under controlled conditions, while simplifying the installation process by eliminating the need for on-site machining and alignment operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A unitary forward mounting assembly for a bodymaker includes a unitary forward mounting body with a cradle portion, a first support arm portion and a second support arm portion. The cradle portion has a forward side, a rear side, a right side, and a left side. The first support arm portion is disposed at the cradle portion right side. The second support arm portion is disposed at the cradle portion left side.