Cam Assembly Travel Control with Integrated Prongs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity in manufacturing cam assemblies due to the need for separate molds and tooling for cams and cam followers with different structural features, as well as additional manufacturing steps for travel stops in applications like steering column assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A travel control system for cam assemblies where the cam and cam follower have identical structures, with a cam having lobes and extending prongs, and a lock indicator tab, allowing for integrated travel stops and reduced manufacturing complexity by eliminating the need for separate components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate molds and tooling are used for cams and cam followers with different structural features, then manufacturing precision can be maintained for each component, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cam and cam follower into a single integrated component with unified structural features. The cam includes integrated travel stop features and the cam follower has corresponding engagement surfaces, eliminating the need for separate molds and tooling. This consolidation maintains manufacturing precision while reducing the number of manufacturing steps and overall complexity.
2Reliability
If separate manufacturing steps are used for travel stops in cam assemblies, then travel control functionality can be achieved, but overall manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The travel stop features are merged directly into the cam structure as integral components rather than separate parts. The cam includes prongs and other structural features that serve as built-in travel stops, eliminating the need for additional manufacturing steps to add separate travel stop components. This maintains reliable travel control functionality while significantly improving ease of manufacture.
3Device complexity
If identical structures are used for cam and cam follower, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but component differentiation for specific functions may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cam and cam follower are designed with identical structural features that enable them to perform multiple functions. The unified structure allows the same component design to serve as both cam and cam follower in different positions within the assembly, providing versatility and adaptability while reducing manufacturing complexity. The modular design allows easy adaptation to different applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A travel control system for a cam assembly includes a cam having a plurality of lobes on a first face of the cam. Also included is a cam follower engageable with the first face of the cam to follow the lobe profile defined by the plurality of lobes. Further included is a pair of cam prongs extending outwardly from an outer perimeter of the cam. Yet further included is a lock indicator cam follower tab in contact with a first cam prong of the pair of cam prongs in a locked position of the cam assembly and in contact with a second cam prong of the pair of cam prongs in an unlocked position of the cam assembly.