Unitary Forward Mounting Assembly to Eliminate Alignment Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing forward mounting assembly for bodymakers is time-consuming to install and prone to errors, which can lead to damage to the equipment due to the need for precise alignment of multiple components, including the cradle element and support arms.
Innovation Solution
A unitary forward mounting assembly that integrates a cradle portion, first support arm portion, and second support arm portion as a single body, eliminating the need for machined coupling surfaces and alignment processes between these components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components (cradle element and support arms) are used in the forward mounting assembly, then the assembly can be modular and easier to manufacture individually, but the installation becomes time-consuming and prone to alignment errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cradle element and support arms into a single unitary forward mounting body. This integration eliminates the need for separate machining and assembly operations for multiple components, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining manufacturability through unified casting or forming processes.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used with machined coupling surfaces, then each component can be manufactured independently, but the alignment process becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the cradle element and support arms into one unitary structure, the patent eliminates machined coupling surfaces and their associated alignment tolerances. The single component is manufactured as a complete assembly, ensuring precise geometric relationships between mounting features without requiring post-manufacturing alignment operations.
3Ease of repair
If multiple separate components are assembled together, then the assembly can be disassembled for maintenance, but the risk of damage during installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The unitary forward mounting body eliminates the risk of damage during assembly of multiple components by providing a single pre-integrated structure. The design maintains serviceability by allowing the entire forward mounting assembly to be replaced as a unit, balancing installation reliability with maintenance requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A unitary forward mounting assembly (50) for a bodymaker (10) includes a unitary forward mounting body (52) with a cradle portion (54), a first support arm portion (56) and a second support arm portion (58). The cradle portion (54) has a forward side (60), a rear side (62), a right side (64), and a left side (66). The first support arm portion (56) is disposed at the cradle portion right side (64). The second support arm portion (58) is disposed at the cradle portion left side (66). Because the cradle portion (54), the first support arm portion (56) and the second support arm portion (58) are part of a unitary body (52), the unitary forward mounting assembly (50) solves the problems stated above. That is, because the support arms (56, 58) are not mated to the cradle (54), there is no need for machined coupling surfaces; nor is there a need for aligning the support arms on the cradle.