Rotary Shaft Brake Linkage for Low-Force Manual Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manual unlocking systems for braking devices require excessive force and can inadvertently activate during normal operation, posing a risk to operators due to their design.

Innovation Solution

A manual unlocking system with a balanced and centered action mechanism, featuring integral pivots and connecting rods with a wide open angle (greater than 120°) that amplifies the leverage effect, allowing for easy actuation and reducing the effort required, and is designed to be removable or neutralizable during normal operation to prevent accidental activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a manual unlocking system with connecting rods and pivots is used, then the braking device can be unlocked manually, but excessive force is required for actuation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuation forceVSAvoidforce required for actuation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The manual unlocking system is designed to act in a balanced and centered manner on the pressure plate, creating a symmetric force distribution that reduces friction forces and actuation effort. The system positions the pivots and connecting rods to achieve mechanical equilibrium during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a specific geometric configuration with an angle α greater than 120° (advantageously greater than 150°, preferably greater than 165°) formed by three pivots, which amplifies the leverage effect and significantly reduces the force required for manual actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the manual actuating lever is permanently mounted on the braking device, then it is always available for use, but it can inadvertently activate during normal operation causing bodily accidents

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidrisk of accidental activation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The manual actuating lever is designed to be removable from the braking device, transforming it from a static, permanently mounted component to a dynamic element that can be installed or removed as needed. This allows the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The manual actuating lever and driving rod can be completely removed from the braking device when not in use, eliminating the hazard of accidental activation during normal operation. The integral pivots remain mounted on the device, but the removable components are extracted when safety is a concern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 significantly reduces the force needed for actuation, enhances ergonomics, and ensures safety by minimizing the risk of accidental release or bodily injury during normal operation of the braking device.

Implementation Method 1

the angle α formed by the three pivots at the level of the pivot placed between the other two is greater than 120°, advantageously greater than 150°, and preferably greater than 165°, c- the pivoting movement of the manual actuating lever, from the rest position, tends to align the three pivots by increasing the angle α which tends to become flat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLeverage effect: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP3638917B1Device for braking a rotary shaft
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 WARNER ELECTRIC EURO
  • EP3638917B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP3638917B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~3b
  • EP3638917B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~5

AI summary

Braking device for a rotary shaft comprising a pressure plate (A) and a manual unlocking system comprising two secured pivots (31, 32) and a free pivot (33) connected to the two secured pivots (31, 32) by two connecting rods (11, 21), and also a manual actuating lever (41), characterized in that: a- the manual unlocking system acts on the pressure plate (A) so as to be balanced and centred on the axis of symmetry X, b- the angle a formed by the three pivots (31, 32, 33) at the pivot placed between the other two is greater than 120°, advantageously greater than 150°, and preferably greater than 170°, c- the pivoting movement of the manual actuating lever (41), starting from the rest position, tends to align the three pivots (31, 32, 33) by increasing the angle a, which tends to become flat.