Braking Device Dual Drive Gear Ratio Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing braking and clamping devices with multiple pneumatic or hydraulic drives face challenges in achieving a simple, space-saving design with high clamping forces while maintaining low-maintenance requirements.
Innovation Solution
The device employs a first drive with a small gear ratio for infeed movement and a second drive with a gear ratio at least 33% higher for generating braking, clamping, or gripping force, where the first drive is actuated before the second, and all drives are energized or de-energized simultaneously once the clamping force is applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If all drives are actuated simultaneously with comparable structure, then the device design is simple and uniform, but the device requires more space and cannot achieve high clamping forces efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The braking process is segmented into two distinct phases handled by different drives: the first drive (with smaller gear ratio) handles the infeed movement to take up play between braking elements and guide rail, while the second drive (with larger gear ratio of at least 33% higher) generates the actual high clamping force. This segmentation allows each drive to be optimized for its specific function rather than requiring all drives to have identical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different drives are assigned different gear ratios tailored to their specific functions: the first drive uses a smaller gear ratio suitable for infeed movement, while the second drive uses a larger gear ratio (at least 33% higher) optimized for force generation. This local differentiation of drive characteristics enables high clamping forces without requiring uniform drive structure across all drives.
2Force
If a single drive with large gear ratio is used for force generation, then high clamping forces are achieved, but the infeed movement path becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The movement function is segmented between two drives: the first drive with smaller gear ratio handles the infeed movement (reducing the required stroke length), while the second drive with larger gear ratio (at least 33% higher) handles the force generation. This eliminates the need for a single drive to provide both long infeed stroke and high force multiplication.
Solution Approach 2:
The first drive performs the infeed movement as a preliminary action before the second drive generates the clamping force. By pre-positioning the braking elements close to the guide rail using the first drive, the second drive only needs to generate force over a short distance, avoiding the need for an excessively long infeed movement path.
3Power
If the first drive completes most of the infeed stroke, then the second drive can use shorter transmission path for power transmission, but the control sequence becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The first drive performs the infeed movement as a preliminary action that must be completed (at least 60% of the stroke) before the second drive is activated. This preliminary action reduces the remaining travel distance for the second drive, enabling more efficient power transmission over a shorter path while maintaining a clear, sequential control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system monitors the position of the first drive and uses this feedback information to determine when to activate the second drive. When the first drive has completed at least 60% of its infeed stroke, the control system triggers the second drive to generate clamping force, creating an automated sequential operation that manages complexity through position-based control logic.
4Device complexity
If different gear ratios are used for different drives, then space is saved and clamping forces are increased, but the drives cannot be actuated at the same time
Solution Approach 1:
The first drive with smaller gear ratio performs the infeed movement as a preliminary action before the second drive with larger gear ratio is activated. This sequential activation based on position feedback (when first drive completes at least 60% of stroke) allows different gear ratios to be used while maintaining coordinated operation, saving space while achieving high clamping forces.
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
This configuration allows for a gradual braking or clamping movement with high power transmission, achieving significant clamping forces while ensuring low-maintenance operations and efficient energy management.
Implementation Method 1
different spline gears are used as gears. In order to implement the various gear ratios, the first drive is fitted with a spline gear with a large wedge angle, while a spline gear with a smaller wedge angle is installed in the second drive.
Implementation Method 2
Devices such as braking and/or clamping devices, each with more than one pneumatic or hydraulic drive
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The device has a drive and another drive producing a lifting or pivoting movement. The drives have drive devices and gears. The gear of the former drive has a small transmission for producing a feed motion, while the gear of the latter drive has a large transmission for producing a large braking, clamping or gripping force. The former drive is operated before the latter drive. An independent claim is also included for a functional sequence for a braking, clamping or gripping device.