Trap Machine Spring Tensioning Lever Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trap machines do not allow for easy adjustment and removal of the main spring, leading to safety hazards, increased wear, and premature failure due to constant spring tension, which complicates maintenance and storage.
Innovation Solution
A trap machine design featuring a lever mechanism that allows for selective release of tension in the main spring, enabling easy disengagement and re-engagement of the spring, reducing safety risks and wear, and facilitating easier maintenance and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the spring is kept under constant tension in conventional trap machines, then the throwing arm is held away from the housing and ready for operation, but this creates safety hazards, excessive friction on threads, and difficulty in maintenance and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the spring tension state changeable rather than fixed. The lever mechanism allows the spring to transition between tensioned (operational) and relaxed (maintenance/transport) states. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to switch between operational readiness and safe maintenance modes, eliminating the need to permanently maintain high tension for operational readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's manual input and the spring tension state. By engaging the lever, the user can safely release tension on the spring without directly manipulating the spring or adjustment nut under tension. This intermediary device resolves the safety hazard and wear issues by providing a controlled method to transition the spring to a relaxed state for maintenance and transport.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the adjustment nut is always under spring tension after initial assembly, then the throwing arm maintains proper positioning, but it requires significant torque to remove the adjustment nut for spring removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the nut removal process dynamic by introducing a lever mechanism that temporarily changes the spring tension state. During maintenance, the lever is engaged to release tension, allowing the nut to be easily removed without requiring significant torque. After maintenance, the lever is disengaged to restore proper spring tension and throwing arm positioning. This resolves the contradiction between maintaining stable positioning and enabling easy removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever mechanism performs a preliminary action by releasing spring tension before the nut removal operation. This preliminary tension release makes the subsequent nut removal easy without compromising the stability of spring positioning during normal operation. The system prepares the maintenance state in advance, resolving the contradiction between operational stability and ease of maintenance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the spring remains under tension during storage, then the throwing arm is held in position, but the stored energy presents safety hazards and can cause accidental firing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the spring tension state to be changed based on operational needs. During storage and transport, the lever mechanism is engaged to release spring tension, eliminating the throwing arm position stability requirement while removing the accidental firing hazard. During operation, the lever is disengaged to restore tension and positioning. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between position stability and safety during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever serves as an intermediary that mediates between the spring tension system and the external environment during storage. By engaging the lever, the user isolates the spring from its operational tension state, preventing accidental firing while allowing the throwing arm to be safely repositioned or stored. This intermediary mechanism resolves the safety hazard without requiring permanent modification to the positioning system.
4Productivity
If the spring is under constant tension, then the throwing arm is ready for immediate use, but excessive friction on the nut and main spring bolt threads causes wear and premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by cycling the spring between tensioned and relaxed states based on operational requirements. During active use, the spring remains tensioned for immediate readiness. During maintenance intervals, the lever is engaged to release tension, allowing threads to rest and reducing cumulative wear. This periodic relaxation extends component lifespan while maintaining productivity during operational periods, resolving the contradiction between readiness and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static constant-tension state to a dynamic state where tension can be temporarily released. The lever mechanism enables periodic reduction of thread friction by releasing spring tension during maintenance intervals. This dynamic approach preserves component reliability by reducing cumulative wear while maintaining operational readiness when the spring is tensioned, resolving the contradiction between productivity 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 provides improved safety by minimizing accidental firings and wear, allowing for easier maintenance and storage by reducing spring tension, thus extending the machine's lifespan and enhancing user safety.
Implementation Method 1
a tensioning spring having a first end and a second end, the first end operatively connected to the motor assembly and the second end engaged to a first end of a threaded bolt
Implementation Method 2
a lever having a first end configured to releasably engage the threaded bolt and engage a fulcrum on the housing and a second end comprising a handle; and the lever is configured to pivot about the fulcrum from a first position to a second position
Data Source
AI summary
A trap machine that launches clay targets, and the trap machine has a tensioning spring having a first end and a second end, the first end operatively connected to a motor assembly and the second end engaged to a first end of a threaded bolt the tensioning spring providing tension on a nut on the bolt against the rear of the housing; and a lever configured to releasably engage the threaded bolt and move the threaded bolt against the bias of the tensioning spring thereby releasing tension of the nut against the rear of the housing.