Adjustable Cam Module With Worm Gear Self-Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cam systems for controlling actuator devices, such as electrical contacts, have complex structures that are difficult to handle and adjust precisely.
Innovation Solution
A cam system with a base device secured to a rotary shaft and a cam mounted adjustable in angular position using an endless screw that meshes with teeth on the cam, allowing for precise adjustment and self-locking in desired positions through a worm transmission and cam locking system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a worm gear transmission and cam locking system is used, then the cam position can be precisely adjusted and locked, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adjustment mechanism and locking mechanism into a single integrated cam module. The worm gear transmission serves dual purposes: enabling precise angular adjustment of the cam while simultaneously providing self-locking capability to maintain the adjusted position. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed compared to having independent adjustment and locking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The worm gear transmission inherently provides self-locking capability due to its mechanical properties. The friction between the worm and wheel teeth prevents backward motion, automatically locking the cam in its adjusted position without requiring additional active locking components. This self-service feature simplifies the overall structure while maintaining precise position control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustable cam modules are stacked on the same drive shaft, then the system can control multiple electrical contacts, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into multiple identical, modular cam modules that can be stacked on the same drive shaft. Each module is a self-contained unit with its own cam, base, and adjustment mechanism, allowing independent control of different electrical contacts. This segmentation into standardized modules enables scalable system design where complexity is managed through repetition of proven units rather than designing increasingly complex integrated structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized cam module design serves multiple functions: it can control different electrical contacts, each module can be independently adjusted, and they all share the same mounting interface on the drive shaft. This universal design allows the same module to be used in various positions and configurations to control multiple contacts, reducing the need for different specialized components for each contact.
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 system simplifies the adjustment and locking of cam positions, ensuring precise control of electrical contacts with a self-locking mechanism that maintains the cam's position under resistance, facilitating easy handling and precise actuation.
Implementation Method 1
The gear device 9 essentially comprises a worm gear 13 fixedly mounted in the base 5 and extending perpendicularly to the shaft 3, which meshes with a toothed ring 15 concentric with the shaft 3 and fixed in rotation to the cam disc 7
Implementation Method 2
a worm screw mounted on the base and which engages a toothing associated with the cam so that a rotation of the screw causes a change in the angular position of the cam on the base
Implementation Method 3
ensuring precise control of electrical contacts with a self-locking mechanism that maintains the cam's position under resistance
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 4A~6A
AI summary
Control cam system comprising at least one movable cam module for controlling an actuator device, in particular an electrical contact, the end-of-stroke position of which is adjustable by means of a gear device, characterized in that the module comprises a base (5) rotationally fixed to a rotating shaft (3) and a cam (7) mounted with adjustable angular position on the base, and in that the gear device (9) comprises a worm screw (13) mounted on the base (5) and engaging a tooth (16) associated with the cam (7) so that a rotation of the screw causes a change in the angular position of the cam on the base.