Brake Device Steel Friction Coil Spring Torque Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake devices for linear actuators fail to consistently generate sufficient braking torque, leading to increased volume and complex assembly processes, particularly in cramped spaces, due to the need for larger diameter components and additional friction components.
Innovation Solution
A brake device utilizing a torque transmission mechanism with a steel friction coil spring and a #45 carbon steel brake housing, where the friction coil spring contacts the inner surface of the brake housing directly, eliminating the need for additional friction components and simplifying assembly by using a single material for both.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If steel friction springs and plastic brake torque bushings of larger diameter are designed to increase braking torque, then the braking torque is improved, but the volume of the brake device is increased and it becomes difficult to implement in cramped application spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using steel material for both the friction coil spring and brake housing instead of the conventional plastic brake torque bushing. This material substitution increases the coefficient of friction, enabling sufficient braking torque to be generated with smaller component dimensions, thus reducing the overall volume of the brake device while maintaining adequate braking performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material strategy by using steel-friction coil spring in conjunction with steel brake housing, creating a high-friction interface. This material combination replaces the steel-plastic interface in conventional designs, achieving higher friction coefficients that allow for more compact brake device design while delivering required braking torque
2Ease of manufacture
If a brake torque bushing made of plastic is disposed in a brake housing made of aluminum, then the brake device can be assembled, but the assembly process becomes complex and the number of components increases due to the need for an elastic snap ring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the brake torque bushing function into the brake housing by making the brake housing itself from steel material with a cylindrical inner hole that directly receives the friction coil spring. This eliminates the need for a separate plastic brake torque bushing and elastic snap ring, reducing the number of components and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining the brake device's functional integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The steel brake housing serves multiple functions: it provides the structural housing for the brake device, acts as the friction surface for the coil spring, and eliminates the need for separate fastening components. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall structure and reduces component count while ensuring adequate friction performance
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 solution ensures reliable generation of braking torque without increasing device volume and simplifies assembly by reducing the number of components, allowing effective operation in constrained spaces with improved friction coefficients.
Implementation Method 1
the generation of braking torque is realized by direct contact friction between the friction coil spring made of steel material and the brake housing made of #45 carbon steel material
Implementation Method 2
an elastic snap ring must be used to hold the brake torque bushing in place
Data Source
AI summary
A brake device for a linear actuator is provided having a torque transmission mechanism for forward transfer of driving torque and a spring friction mechanism for blocking backward transfer of load torque. The mechanism provides an input shaft and a first coupled claw connected to the input shaft that rotates synchronously therewith, a driving torque output shaft and a second coupled claw connected to the output shaft and capable rotating synchronously therewith. The first coupled claw and second coupled claw are matched and engaged together, and used to transfer driving torque in a forward direction from the input shaft to the output shaft. The spring friction mechanism provides a brake housing and a friction coil spring disposed elastically in a cylindrical inner hole of the brake housing. The friction coil spring formed with end parts at two axial ends for hooking onto the first and second coupled claws.