Pivoting Joint With Variable Diameter For Cable Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support and guide devices for overhead traction cables in vehicle transport installations face challenges with maintenance, particularly with lubrication requirements for rotating joints and difficulties in placing pivot joints due to their design and accessibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting joint with a variable outer diameter that can decrease for easier introduction into an orifice, using elastic elements between armatures to allow pivoting without lubrication, and a method of manufacturing that involves placing elastic elements between armatures to form a joint capable of pivoting relative to a support structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rolling bearings are used for rotational articulation, then the joint allows smooth rotation, but lubrication is required which is difficult to perform on hard-to-access rocker arms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rolling bearings with a rubber bushing that provides rotational articulation through elastic deformation rather than rolling contact. This substitution eliminates the need for lubrication while maintaining smooth rotation capability, directly resolving the contradiction between rotation smoothness and lubrication accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid bearing surfaces to elastic rubber material. The rubber bushing deforms elastically to allow rotation, providing the necessary articulation without requiring lubrication, thus solving the maintenance accessibility problem while preserving rotational functionality.
2Ease of operation
If plain bearings are used for pivoting articulation, then the joint allows pivoting motion, but they wear out under extreme environmental conditions or incorrect placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure consisting of a steel shaft embedded in a rubber bushing. The steel provides structural strength while the rubber provides elastic pivoting capability and wear resistance. This composite material approach eliminates wear issues associated with plain bearings under extreme conditions while maintaining pivoting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The rubber bushing acts as a sacrificial element that can be easily replaced if worn, while the steel shaft remains intact. This approach is more economical than replacing entire bearing assemblies and ensures reliability by protecting the critical steel components from wear.
3Reliability
If a steel shaft with rubber bushing is used to create robust pivot joints, then the joint is more wear-resistant, but insertion into pre-formed holes is delicate and requires user skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the external diameter of the joint variable through the elastic deformation of the rubber bushing. During insertion, the bushing compresses to reduce diameter, allowing passage through the hole, then expands to its normal diameter once inserted, providing a secure fit without requiring precise pre-machining or skilled manual positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimensional parameter of the joint's external diameter from fixed to variable through elastic deformation. This allows the joint to adapt its size during insertion (smaller diameter) and during operation (normal diameter), simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining wear resistance.
4Ease of manufacture
If the joint is inserted by successive pushes, then the joint can be installed, but the elastic deformation stresses cause the joint to tend to come out of the orifice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary compression of the elastic element during the insertion process itself. The compression spring or elastomeric element is compressed as the joint is pushed into the orifice, storing elastic energy that then expands to lock the joint in place, preventing it from coming out during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs the insertion force and provides a retaining force. The elastic deformation during insertion creates a friction fit and mechanical interference that prevents the joint from being pushed out during normal operation, ensuring reliable retention.
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 reduces maintenance needs, facilitates easier installation of the joint, and provides a robust articulation that can be securely fixed without modifying the orifice, ensuring reliable operation under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic element placed between the first and second armatures and configured to allow pivoting of the first armature relative to the supporting structure
Implementation Method 2
The joint has a variable external diameter that decreases when the joint is inserted into the orifice
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Articulation (12) for a support and guidance device for a vehicle traction cable of a transport installation, comprising a first armature (20) configured to be fixed to a support carrying a rotating roller intended to be in contact with the traction cable, a second armature (21) configured to be inserted into an orifice formed within a supporting structure of the device, and at least one elastic element (22, 23) placed between the first and second armatures (20, 21) and configured to allow pivoting of the first armature (20) relative to the supporting structure, the articulation (12) having a variable external diameter (D1) capable of decreasing when the articulation (12) is inserted into the orifice.