Self-tensioning drive assembly configuration & methodology

• Main Authors: WILLIAMSON RICHARD D, WILLIAMSON SCOTT A
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 16.12.2004
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: BLASTING; ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GEARING; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVEFUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; HEATING; LIGHTING; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL; WEAPONS

A drive assembly for a driven device having an input shaft is provided, including an attendant methodology for optimally configuring components thereof so as to minimize instability without recourse to utilization of a pivot regulating mechanism. The drive assembly includes a driving device having an output shaft, a driving device support structure, and a drive operatively linking the output shaft of the driving device with the input shaft of the driven device. The driving device support structure includes an anchorable base and a selectively positionable platform pivotable, with respect to the base, about a pivot axis so as to thereby define a tilt angle alpha for the platform relative to a horizon. The drive including a drive sheave, a driven sheave, and an endless loop, a hub load being generated by the endless loop about the sheaves and acting therebetween along a hub load line. The hub load line has an angular relationship e relative to the horizon. The tilt angle alpha is preferably within the range of about 15 to 35°, the hub load line angle theta preferably being within the range of about 5 to 35° such that optimal tension for the endless loop is achieved, thereby substantially eliminating deleterious instability for the drive assembly.