Movable Tool Supports With Common Actuator Rail Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing product treatment devices in industrial production lines require complex and costly energy supply systems for movable supports, with numerous connections and motorizations, complicating design and maintenance, and necessitate precise coordination of support movements during format changes.
Innovation Solution
A centralized energy supply system is implemented through a common actuator that controls multiple blockers on movable supports, simplifying the design and reducing the need for individual connections and motorizations by making each blocker passive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each support is equipped with a specific blocker and actuator for locking and unlocking, then the support can be securely locked and unlocked, but the device complexity increases due to numerous connections and separate energy supplies for each actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate actuators into a single actuator that controls all blockers simultaneously. The actuator is coupled to the rail and controls the blockers of multiple supports through a mechanical linkage system, eliminating the need for separate energy supplies and connections for each actuator, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining locking reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator serves multiple functions by controlling all blockers across different supports. This universal actuator can lock and unlock multiple supports simultaneously, making the system more efficient and reducing the overall number of components needed in the energy supply system
2Adaptability or versatility
If each support has independent motorization for moving between positions, then the support positioning is precise and flexible, but the design and production complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent motorizations into a single motorization system located in the rail. This centralized motorization moves the entire rail assembly, which carries all supports, allowing position adjustment of multiple supports simultaneously without requiring individual motors for each support, thus reducing design and production complexity while maintaining positioning flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the motorization function by separating the movement control into two independent actions: the rail motorization handles the movement of the entire rail assembly, while the actuator handles the locking/unlocking of individual supports. This segmentation allows the positioning flexibility to be maintained through the actuator's selective control while the complex motorization is consolidated in the rail
3Device complexity
If a movable carriage with indexed motorization is used to handle supports in succession, then the energy supply is simplified, but the coordination of support movements becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the carriage move to each support sequentially, the patent inverts the approach by having the rail with all supports move simultaneously to the desired position. The actuator then locks the supports in their respective positions. This inversion simplifies the coordination by eliminating the need for sequential handling and complex timing coordination
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a device for treating products, which includes a tool and a movable support of the tool for treating products. Each support is slidably mounted along a rail and includes a blocker that can be actuated by locking, an actuator for locking and unlocking the blocker, a power supply for the actuator, at least one member for coupling with said support, a relative and indexed motorization between the member and the support. The member incorporates the actuator, allowing power to be supplied to the blocker.