Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(Section 10 and Rule 13)

1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
AN ASSEMLBY FOR ADJUSTING DISTANCE BETWEEN AN EXTRUDER AND A COOLING SYSTEM OF AN EXTRUSION LINE

2. APPLICANTS:
Meril Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., an Indian national of the address, Survey No. 135/139 Bilakhia House, Muktanand Marg, Chala, Vapi-Gujarat 396191, India

3. The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

 
FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to the field of extruders. More specifically, the present invention pertains to an assembly for adjusting distance between an extruder and a cooling bed of an extrusion line.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[002] Extrusion machine lines are widely used in the production of plastic and polymeric tubes, pipes, and profiles. A typical extrusion line comprises several key units arranged sequentially: an extruder that melts and shapes the polymer through a die; a cooling bed that enables controlled cooling of the extrudate; a puller that maintains proper speed and tension; and a collection unit where the final product is gathered.
[003] The distance between the extruder and the cooling bed is critical in determining a product quality. This spacing directly influences how quickly the molten polymer transitions into a solid state. Improper spacing can cause uneven cooling, distortion, inconsistent diameter, irregular wall thickness, and degraded mechanical properties, ultimately compromising the finished product's performance, reliability, and compliance with industry standards.
[004] Conventional extrusion systems typically rely on manual positioning of the cooling bed relative to the extruder. Operators use visual estimation or basic measuring tools such as tapes or calipers. This approach is time-consuming and prone to human error. Even slight inaccuracies can result in significant dimensional deviations, leading to rework or material waste.
[005] Manual adjustment methods are heavily dependent on the operator, leading to variability between shifts or personnel. Such inconsistencies hinder uniform quality and repeatability. Additionally, frequent manual measurements and repositioning increase setup times and slow down production, thereby reducing overall manufacturing efficiency.
[006] Thus, there arises a need for an assembly that adjusts a distance between an extruder and a cooling system of an extrusion line and overcomes the problems associated with the conventional extrusion line.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[007] The present invention relates to an assembly for adjusting a distance between an extruder and a cooling system of an extrusion line. The assembly includes a support structure, a guide rail mounted on the support structure, a pair of connecting members, and a drive mechanism. Each connecting member is slidably mounted on the guide rail at a first end and coupled to a cooling bed of the cooling system at a second end. The drive mechanism is mounted on the support structure and operatively coupled to at least one of the connecting members. The drive mechanism includes a lever configured to rotate about an axis, a pinion gear coupled to the lever and configured to rotate in response to rotational movement of the lever, and a linear rack coupled to the support structure and operatively engaged with the pinion gear, such that rotation of the pinion gear causes the pinion gear to move linearly along the linear rack. The at least one of the connecting members is operatively coupled to the pinion gear and configured to move linearly along the guide rail in response to the linear movement of the pinion gear. The linear movement of the connecting member causes corresponding movement of the cooling bed, thereby adjusting the position of the cooling bed relative to an extruder.
[008] The foregoing features and other features as well as the advantages of the invention, will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[009] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the apportioned drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale.
[0010] Fig. 1A depicts an exemplary extrusion line 100 with an assembly 150, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0011] Fig. 1B depicts a detailed view of the assembly 150 mounted on a cooling system 120, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0012] Fig. 1C depicts a perspective view of a drive mechanism 160 of the assembly 150, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0013] Fig. 1D depicts an exploded view of the drive mechanism 160 of the assembly 150, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] Fig. 2A depicts an exemplary extrusion line 100 with the assembly 150 representing the cooling system 120 at a first position, in accordance with the prior art of the present disclosure.
[0015] Fig. 2B depicts a pinion gear 164 of the assembly 150 at a first position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0016] Fig. 3A depicts an exemplary extrusion line 100 with an assembly 150 representing the cooling system 120 at a second position, in accordance with the prior art of the present disclosure.
[0017] Fig. 3B depicts the pinion gear 164 of the assembly 150 at a second position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0018] Prior to describing the invention in detail, definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document will be defined: the terms "include" and "comprise", as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases "coupled with" and "associated therewith", as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have a property of, or the like; Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.
[0019] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0020] Although the operations of exemplary embodiments of the disclosed method may be described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments can encompass an order of operations other than the particular, sequential order disclosed. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Further, descriptions and disclosures provided in association with one particular embodiment are not limited to that embodiment, and may be applied to any embodiment disclosed herein. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed system, method, and apparatus can be used in combination with other systems, methods, and apparatuses.
[0021] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments. These features and advantages of the embodiments will become more fully apparent from the following description and apportioned claims, or may be learned by the practice of embodiments as set forth hereinafter.
[0022] The present disclosure relates to an assembly designed for adjusting the distance between an extruder and a cooling system within an extrusion line. Specifically, the assembly provides a mechanically driven structure that facilitates smooth, accurate, and controlled linear repositioning of the cooling bed relative to the extruder. This capability ensures proper alignment and optimal spacing between the two components, which is essential for maintaining consistent product quality throughout the extrusion process.
[0023] The assembly includes a support structure on which a guide rail is mounted, along with a pair of connecting members configured to slide along the guide rail. The assembly includes a drive mechanism operatively connected to at least one of the connecting members. This mechanism includes a lever that rotates about a fixed axis, a pinion gear coupled to the lever, and a linear rack engaged with the pinion gear. When the lever is rotated, the pinion gear turns in the same direction, translating the rotational motion into linear movement along the rack. This linear movement is transmitted to the connecting member, thereby repositioning the cooling bed accordingly.
[0024] The assembly offers multiple advantages, including simplified operation, precise control over movement, and enhanced reliability in adjusting the cooling bed’s position. It minimizes manual intervention, reduces the risk of misalignment, and improves the overall efficiency of the extrusion process. Additionally, the assembly’s robust mechanical construction ensures long-term durability and ease of maintenance, making it a cost-effective and user-friendly solution for extrusion line applications.
[0025] Referring now to the figures, Fig. 1A illustrates an exemplary extrusion line 100 equipped with an assembly 150, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The extrusion line 100 is used for manufacturing products such as tubes, pipes, and rods. Typically, the extrusion line 100 includes an extruder 110, a cooling system 120, a puller (not shown) for maintaining proper speed and tension, a collection unit (not shown) for gathering the finished product. The extruder 110 serves as the starting point of the extrusion line 100 and is responsible for melting, homogenizing, and forcing the material through a die to form the desired tube. The extruder 110 includes a hopper 112 for feeding raw material (e.g., plastic pellets or resin), a barrel 114 containing one or more rotating screws (not shown) that convey and mix the material, and a heater system (not shown) that elevates the material temperature to a specific processing range. At the discharge end of the extruder 110, a die head 116 shapes the molten material into the required profile before it enters the cooling system 120. The performance and stability of the extruder 110 critically influence the downstream quality, dimensional accuracy, and/or mechanical properties of the final product.
[0026] The cooling system 120 includes a water tank, a cooling trough, or another type of cooling mechanism that receives the extrudate from the extruder 110. Due to variations in material properties, product dimensions, and/or specific process requirements, it is often necessary to adjust the distance between the extruder 110 and the cooling system 120. The assembly 150 facilitates such adjustments, enabling controlled, precise, and repeatable repositioning to meet operational needs.
[0027] Fig. 1B depicts a detailed view of the assembly 150 mounted on the cooling system 120, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The assembly 150 is mounted to the cooling system 120. The assembly 150 is configured to adjust the distance between the extruder 110 and the cooling system 120. In one embodiment, the assembly 150 is adapted to move a cooling bed 122 of the cooling system 120, thereby adjusting the distance between the cooling bed 122 and the extruder 110. This enables precise alignment and maintenance of an optimal operational distance. The assembly 150 ensures that the extrudate product is properly guided into the cooling system 120, which in turn promotes enhanced dimensional stability, surface quality, and overall consistency of the final extruded product. The assembly 150 includes a support structure 152, a guide rail 154, a pair of connecting members 156, and a drive mechanism 160.
[0028] In an embodiment, the support structure 152 serves as the support framework for the assembly 150 made from high-strength materials such as structural steel or aluminum alloys. The support structure 152 provides a stable and durable base that ensures precise alignment and structural integrity of the extrusion line 100 components. The support structure 152 is designed to withstand dynamic loads and vibrations generated during the extrusion process, thereby maintaining consistent performance and product quality.
[0029] The guide rail 154 is mounted on the support structure 152. In an embodiment, the guide rail 154 is a longitudinal guide rail configured to provide a linear pathway for the movement of the cooling bed 122. The guide rail 154 may have an I-cross section, a rectangular cross section, or any other suitable cross-section.
[0030] The pair of connecting members 156 is coupled to the guide rail 154 and the cooling bed 122 of the cooling system 120. In an embodiment, each connecting member 156 has a first end 156a and a second end 156b. The first end 156a of each connecting member 156 is slidably coupled to the guide rail 154. The second end 156b of each connecting member 156 is fixedly coupled to the cooling bed 122. In other words, each connecting member 156 is slidably coupled to the guide rail 154 at the first end 156a and coupled to the cooling bed 122 of the cooling system 120 at the second end 156b. Additionally, the connecting member 156 includes an adjustment mechanism 156c configured to vertically adjust the cooling bed 122 with respect to the extruder 110. The adjustment mechanism 156c may consist of components such as threaded rods, lead screws, or hydraulic or pneumatic actuators, allowing for precise and repeatable vertical movements. The adjustment mechanism 156c facilitates vertical alignment corrections, contributing to improved efficiency and consistency in the extrusion process.
[0031] Fig. 1C depicts a perspective view and Fig. 1D depicts an exploded view of the drive mechanism 160 of the assembly 150, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The drive mechanism 160 is mounted on the support structure 152. The drive mechanism 160 is operatively coupled to at least one of the connecting members 156. The drive mechanism 160 is configured to move the connecting members 156 in a linear direction along the guide rail 154. The linear movement of the connecting member 156 causes corresponding movement of the cooling bed 122, thereby adjusting the position of the cooling bed 122 relative to an extruder 110. The drive mechanism 160 may be a rack-pinion mechanism, or any other similar mechanism. In an embodiment, the drive mechanism 160 is a rack-pinion mechanism. In an embodiment, the drive mechanism 160 includes a lever 162 configured to rotate about an axis, a pinion gear 164, and a linear rack 166.
[0032] The lever 162 is coupled to the pinion gear 164. The lever 162 is configured to facilitate manual or assisted adjustment of the cooling bed 122 relative to the extruder 110. The lever 162 is configured to rotate the pinion gear 164 in a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction at a time. The lever 162 serves as an input mechanism that enables an operator or an actuator to apply rotational force, which is subsequently translated into a linear movement of the cooling bed 122 within the assembly 150. The lever 162 is ergonomically designed for ease of operation and could be made from a durable, high-strength material to withstand repeated use in an industrial environment.
[0033] The pinion gear 164 is coupled to the lever 162 and is configured to rotate in response to rotational movement of the lever 162. In an embodiment, the lever 162 is configured to rotate the pinion gear 164 in a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction. The rotation of the pinion gear 164 in the clockwise direction causes the cooling bed 122 to move towards the extruder 110, and the rotation of the pinion gear 164 in the counterclockwise direction causes the cooling bed 122 to move away from the extruder 110. In an embodiment, the pinion gear 164 includes a first array of teeth 164a around its circumference. These teeth are designed to mesh with a corresponding linear component to convert the rotational motion of the lever 162 into linear displacement. In an embodiment, the number of teeth define the accuracy of the precise movement of the cooling bed 122. The coupling between the lever 162 and the pinion gear 164 ensures that even small rotational inputs can produce precise and controlled linear movements, thereby enhancing the accuracy of the cooling bed 122 adjustment.
[0034] The linear rack 166 is coupled to the support structure 152 and operatively engages with the pinion gear 164, such that rotation of the pinion gear 164 causes the pinion gear 164 to move linearly along the linear rack 166. The linear rack 166 includes a second array of teeth 166a. The first array of teeth 164a of the pinion gear 164 is configured to engage with the corresponding first array of teeth 164a of the pinion gear 164. This tooth engagement ensures efficient transmission of force and smooth, accurate motion conversion from rotational to linear movement, etc. The linear rack 166 extends along a predefined path parallel to the guide rail 154. The linear rack 166 is securely coupled to the support structure 152 using fasteners, brackets, or integrated mounts to maintain strict alignment and prevent unintended displacement during operation. This firm attachment is crucial to ensure consistent engagement between the linear rack 166 and the pinion gear 164 under varying load conditions, including dynamic forces caused by material feeding or adjustments.
[0035] The assembly 150 includes a connecting plate 158 coupled to the pinion gear 164 and at least one of the connecting members 156, such that linear movement of the pinion gear 164 is transferred to the connecting member 156 via the connecting plate 158.
[0036] The assembly 150 includes a scale 172 and a pointer 174, which together provides a visual indication of the positional adjustment between the extruder 110 and the cooling bed 122. The scale 172 is fixedly mounted on the support structure 152 and is marked with a series of graduations representing distance or displacement values. These graduations allow the operator to accurately monitor and control the relative position of the cooling bed 122 during adjustment. The pointer 174 is coupled to the pinion gear 164 and is configured to move along the scale 172 in response to the movement of the pinion gear 164 and indicates the current adjusted distance between the extruder 110 and the cooling bed 122. The pointer 174 is configured to indicate the adjusted distance between the extruder 110 and the cooling bed 122. This scale 172 and pointer 174 setup enables the operators to achieve precise, repeatable adjustments quickly and efficiently, enhancing accuracy and process consistency in the extrusion line 100.
[0037] Additionally, the assembly 150 includes a locking mechanism 170 configured to secure the cooling bed 122 in place after it has been adjusted to a desired position. The locking mechanism 170 ensures that once the desired distance between the extruder 110 and the cooling bed 122 is achieved, the cooling bed 122 remains firmly held in place during continuous operation. The locking mechanism 170 may include mechanical elements such as clamps, set screws, locking pins, or friction-based locking assemblies, but is not limited to these examples. The locking of the cooling bed 122 is critical for maintaining consistent product quality and process reliability across long production runs.
[0038] Further, the assembly 150 includes a connecting rod 168 (shown in Fig. 1A) that fixedly couple the extruder 110 with the cooling system 120. The connecting rod 168 retains the cooling system 120 in a stable position before and during the adjustment of the cooling bed 122 relative to the die head 116 of the extruder 110. This ensures accurate alignment and prevents unintended movement that could affect the extrusion process. The connecting rod 168 may be secured using nuts and bolts, rivets, welds, or other suitable fastening methods, depending on the operational needs. The connecting rod 168 may be made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant materials. The connecting rod 168 enhances the structural integrity of the extrusion line 100, ensuring durability, reliability, and precise control during setup and production.
[0039] Initially, the extruder 110 and the cooling system 120 are coupled via the connecting rod 168 configured to fix the cooling system 120 in a predetermined zero-position relative to the extruder 110, as depicted in FIG. 1A. In this zero-position, the distance between the die head 116 of the extruder 110 and the cooling bed 122 is substantially zero. The connecting rod 168 is operably engaged to maintain a fixed spatial relationship between the extruder 110 and the cooling system 120, thereby preventing relative displacement therebetween.
[0040] Upon securing the extruder 110 and cooling system 120 at the zero-position, the assembly 150 is configured to move the cooling bed 122 back and forth along the guide rail 154 to change the distance between the extruder 110 and cooling system 120. During such movement, the connecting rod 168 ensures that the relative positioning between the extruder 110 and the cooling system 120 remains constant, thereby facilitating uninterrupted material transfer and maintaining system alignment.
[0041] For instance, the assembly 150 is operated to move the cooling bed 122 to a first position, as depicted in FIG. 2A. In the first position, the cooling bed 122 is displaced away from the die head 116 of the extruder 110, thereby creating a space between the receiving end of the cooling bed 122 and the discharge end of the die head 116. To initiate this movement, the lever 162 is rotated in a first direction, say, a clockwise direction by the operator or the actuator. The rotation of the lever 162 imparts a corresponding rotation to the pinion gear 164, which is mechanically coupled thereto. The rotational movement of the pinion gear 164 causes the pinion gear 164 to move linearly along the linear rack 166, owing to the engagement between the first array of teeth 164a of the pinion gear 164 and the second array of teeth 166a of the linear rack 166. The linear displacement of the pinion gear 164 is transmitted to the connecting member 156 via the connecting plate 158, which couples the pinion gear 164 to the connecting member 156. Consequently, the connecting member 156, being slidably coupled to the guide rail 154, moves along the guide rail 154, thereby translating the cooling bed 122 away from the extruder 110. In the first position, the extrusion line 100 is configured to accommodate specific product or process requirements, such as variations in material cooling profiles, product dimensions, or extrusion speeds.
[0042] During this movement, the pointer 174, which is operably coupled to the pinion gear 164, moves along the scale 172. The pointer 174 indicates a graduation on the scale 172 corresponding to the first position of the cooling bed 122, thereby providing a visual and measurable indication of the displacement as depicted in Fig. 2B. Upon reaching the first position, the locking mechanism 170 of the assembly 150 is engaged to securely fix the cooling bed 122 relative to the extruder 110. The locking mechanism 170 prevents unintended movement during continuous extrusion operations.
[0043] In a further operation, the assembly 150 is actuated to move the cooling bed 122 to a second position, as depicted in FIG. 3A. The second position corresponds to a further displacement of the cooling bed 122 away from the extruder 110 relative to the first position. The movement from the first to the second position is similarly achieved by rotating the lever 162 in the clockwise direction, thereby continuing the rotation of the pinion gear 164, the linear movement along the linear rack 166, and the subsequent translation of the connecting member 156 and the cooling bed 122 along the guide rail 154.
[0044] At the second position, the pointer 174, which is operably coupled to the pinion gear 164, moves along the scale 172. The pointer 174 indicates a graduation on the scale 172 corresponding to the second position of the cooling bed 122, thereby providing a visual and measurable indication of the displacement as depicted in Fig. 3B. Upon reaching the second position, the locking mechanism 170 of the assembly 150 is engaged to securely fix the cooling bed 122 relative to the extruder 110. The locking mechanism 170 prevents unintended movement during continuous extrusion operations. In the second position, a greater space is formed between the cooling bed 122 and the extruder 110, allowing the extrusion line 100 to accommodate different operational scenarios, such as the extrusion of larger diameter products or products requiring slower cooling rates.
[0045] Upon completion of the extrusion operation or when repositioning is required, the cooling bed 122 may be returned to the zero position. On the return, the lever 162 is rotated in a second direction, say the counterclockwise direction by the operator or the actuator. Counterclockwise rotation of the lever 162 causes the pinion gear 164 to rotate in the corresponding direction, thereby driving the pinion gear 164 linearly along the linear rack 166 toward the zero position. This linear movement of the pinion gear 164 is transferred via the connecting plate 158 to the connecting member 156, which correspondingly moves the cooling bed 122 along the guide rail 154 towards the extruder 110. As the cooling bed 122 approaches the extruder 110, the pointer 174 moves along the scale 172 towards the zero-point graduation, indicating the return to the original alignment. Once the cooling bed 122 reaches the zero-position, the locking mechanism 170 is re-engaged to secure the cooling bed 122 firmly in place, thereby restoring the extrusion line 100 to its original operational configuration. Throughout this return movement, the connecting rod 168 ensures that the extruder 110 and the cooling system 120 remain fixed relative to each other, maintaining structural stability and precise alignment.
[0046] The assembly provides an efficient and user-friendly solution for adjusting the distance between the extruder and the cooling system of the extrusion line. It enables precise, smooth, and repeatable repositioning of the cooling bed to suit varying production requirements, such as different cooling profiles, product sizes, and material types. The assembly allows for quick adjustment with minimal operator effort, ensuring uninterrupted material transfer and consistent alignment between components. The integrated visual indication system offers clear and accurate feedback on the positional status of the cooling bed, facilitating easy monitoring and adjustment during operation. Once positioned, the cooling bed can be securely locked to maintain process stability and ensure consistent product quality throughout continuous extrusion. Furthermore, the assembly minimizes downtime during setup changes, enhances production flexibility, and improves overall operational efficiency, making it highly beneficial for dynamic manufacturing environments where adaptability and precision are critical.
[0047] The scope of the invention is only limited by the appended patent claims. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is/are used. , Claims:WE CLAIM
1. An assembly (150) for adjusting a distance between an extruder (110) and a cooling system (120) of an extrusion line (100), the assembly (150) comprising:
a. a guide rail (154) mounted on a support structure (152);
b. a pair of connecting members (156), each connecting member (156) slidably coupled to the guide rail (154) at a first end (156a) and coupled to a cooling bed (122) of the cooling system (120) at a second end (156b);
a drive mechanism (160) mounted on the support structure (152) and operatively coupled to at least one of the connecting members (156), wherein the drive mechanism (160) is configured to move the connecting members (156) linearly direction along the guide rail (154);
c. wherein the linear movement of the connecting member (156) causes corresponding movement of the cooling bed (122), thereby adjusting the position of the cooling bed (122) relative to an extruder (110).
2. The assembly (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the assembly (150) comprises a connecting rod (168) that fixedly couples the extruder (110) with the cooling system (120).
3. The assembly (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism (160) comprises:
a. a lever (162) configured to rotate about an axis;
b. a pinion gear (164) coupled to the lever (162) and configured to rotate in response to rotational movement of the lever (162);
c. a linear rack (166) coupled to the support structure (152) and operatively engaged with the pinion gear (164), such that rotation of the pinion gear (164) causes the pinion gear (164) to move linearly along the linear rack (166); and
4. The assembly (150) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the pinion gear (164) comprises a first array of teeth (164a), the linear rack (166) comprises a second array of teeth (166a), the first array of teeth (164a) of the pinion gear (164) configured to engage with the second array of teeth (166a) of the linear rack (166).
5. The assembly (150) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the assembly (150) comprises a connecting plate (158) coupled to the pinion gear (164) and the at least one of the connecting members (156), such that linear movement of the pinion gear (164) is transferred to the connecting member (156) via the connecting plate (158).
6. The assembly (150) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the lever (162) is configured to rotate the pinion gear (164) in a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction.
7. The assembly (150) as claimed in claim 6, wherein rotation of the pinion gear (164) in the clockwise direction causes the cooling bed (122) to move towards the extruder (110), and the rotation of the pinion gear (164) in the counterclockwise direction causes the cooling bed (122) to move away from the extruder (110).
8. The assembly (150) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the assembly (150) comprises a scale (172) mounted on the support structure (152) and a pointer (174) coupled to the pinion gear (164), the pointer (174) configured to move along the scale (172) in response to movement of the pinion gear (164).
9. The assembly (150) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the pointer (174) is configured to indicate the adjusted distance between the extruder (110) and the cooling bed (122).
10. The assembly (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the assembly (150) comprises a locking mechanism (170) configured to secure the cooling bed (122) in a selected position.
11. The assembly (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting member (156) comprises an adjustment mechanism (156c) configured to vertically adjust the cooling bed (122) for the extruder (110).