Compact Braking Device Using Axial Friction and Hydraulic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing braking and/or clamping devices for shafts are bulky, require many components, and are not maintenance-free, especially when dealing with large diameters.
Innovation Solution
A compact braking and/or clamping device with a two-part design featuring ring disks with elastically buckling bending zones and a sealed pressure chamber to apply clamping and/or braking force, utilizing a shaft connection assembly with friction surfaces that can be adjusted by oil pressure to maintain a small overall width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional braking devices with multiple spline gears and pneumatic cylinders are used, then the clamping force is sufficient, but the device becomes bulky and requires a lot of space
Solution Approach 1:
The braking device is segmented into two functional parts: a shaft connection assembly that attaches to the rotating shaft and an actuating assembly that applies the braking force. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently, reducing overall device volume while maintaining sufficient clamping force through the friction surfaces at the interface between the two assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a sealed pressure chamber filled with pressure medium (pneumatic or hydraulic system) to actuate the braking mechanism. This allows for compact force application through fluid pressure, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical linkages and reducing the overall device volume while maintaining adequate clamping force.
2Reliability
If multiple components are used to achieve reliable braking, then the braking force is sufficient, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the shaft connection function and the braking function into a single integrated device. The shaft connection assembly and actuating assembly work together as one unit, eliminating the need for separate coupling devices and braking mechanisms, thereby reducing component count while maintaining reliable braking performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating assembly serves multiple functions: it applies braking force through friction surfaces, maintains constant axial spacing through the sealed pressure chamber, and can be actuated by various pressure medium systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall device while ensuring reliable operation.
3Ease of operation
If the braking device rests on the shaft outer wall, then the installation is simple, but the device width increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from radial braking (resting on the shaft outer wall) to axial braking, where the friction surfaces are arranged axially between the shaft connection assembly and actuating assembly. This dimensional change allows the braking force to be applied in the axial direction, reducing the device width in the radial direction while maintaining simple installation through the shaft connection assembly.
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 device provides a simple, safe, and maintenance-free solution with a small overall width, capable of generating a holding torque of 3000 ± 200 Nm and designed for 5 to 10 million cycles, without resting on the shaft's outer wall, thus maintaining efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
Between the ring disks there is a sealed pressure chamber which can be filled with pressure medium in order to elastically press the friction surfaces apart
Implementation Method 2
each have an elastically buckling bending zone outside of the contact zone
Implementation Method 3
The shaft connection assembly has a coupling area that has two spaced-apart friction surfaces whose surface normals point outwards
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a braking and/or clamping device for a shaft guided in relation to a main body, comprising an actuation assembly and comprising a shaft-coupling assembly. The actuation assembly has two annular discs which are in close contact with one another in a common contact zone, and which each have an elastically deformable bending zone in regions outside of the contact zone. The annular discs each comprise jaw-type elements in two opposing clamping zones. A sealed pressure chamber lies between the annular discs. Parts of a shaft-coupling assembly project between the clamping zones, said parts producing the linking for the clamped or braked shaft. When the pressure in the pressure chamber is relieved, the frictional surfaces of the actuation assembly can be applied to the frictional surfaces of the shaft-coupling assembly, thereby producing the clamping and/or braking force. According to the invention, a braking and/or clamping device is developed which has a reduced structural width even with a large diameter, consists of few components and also functions in a simple, secure and maintenance-free manner.