Adjustable Rotating Shaft Mechanism for Variable Twisting Force

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotating shaft mechanisms, such as those in binocular telescopes, require a constant twisting force for operation, which is inconvenient due to the fixed magnitude of the twisting force.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of an adjusting ring and washers around the central shaft to adjust frictional forces, allowing the position of the adjusting ring to be axially adjustable, thereby increasing or reducing the twisting force required for operation by compressing or releasing elastic washers and generating interferences between components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the rotating shaft mechanism uses a fixed structure without adjustment components, then the structure is simple, but the twisting force magnitude cannot be adjusted making operation inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of twisting forceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed structure into an adjustable one. The adjusting ring can move axially along the central shaft to different positions, changing the compression force applied to the elastic washer. This allows the twisting force magnitude to be dynamically adjusted from fixed to variable, resolving the contradiction between operational convenience and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the friction force parameter through the adjusting ring mechanism. By changing the axial position of the adjusting ring, the compression force on the elastic washer changes, which in turn changes the friction force between the washer and the connecting portions. This enables the twisting force magnitude to be adjusted by changing physical parameters of the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If the adjusting ring compresses the elastic washer to increase frictional force, then the twisting force magnitude increases, but the operational flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetwisting force magnitudeVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by making the force magnitude adjustable rather than fixed. The adjusting ring can be positioned at different locations along the central shaft, allowing the user to dynamically adjust the compression force on the elastic washer. This creates a range of possible twisting force magnitudes, providing operational flexibility while still enabling increased force when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the adjustment function into discrete positional settings of the adjusting ring. The ring can be positioned at various locations along the shaft, creating segmented adjustment levels for the twisting force. This allows the system to provide multiple force magnitude options, balancing the need for increased force with operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables flexible adjustment of the twisting force, enhancing operational convenience by allowing the magnitude of the twisting force to be tailored according to user needs, improving usability in devices like binocular telescopes.

Implementation Method 1

a first washer disposed around the central shaft and configured to generate a force to the first body or the second body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an adjusting ring disposed around the central shaft, a first washer disposed around the central shaft and configured to generate a force to the first body or the second body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11022170B2Rotating shaft mechanism
Publication Date: 2021.06.01 SINTAI OPTICAL SHENZHEN CO LTD
  • US11022170B2 patent drawing
  • US11022170B2 patent drawing
  • US11022170B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A rotating shaft mechanism includes a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, a central shaft rotatably connected to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, and an adjusting unit disposed on the central shaft. The adjusting unit includes an adjusting ring disposed around the central shaft, a first washer disposed around the central shaft and configured to generate a force to the first connecting portion or the second connecting portion. A position of the adjusting ring with respect to the central shaft is axially adjustable for adjusting the force so that the first connecting portion or the second connecting portion is rotatable or fixed relative to the central shaft.