Cam-Guided Forming Tool Shaft for Single-Drive Linear-Rotary Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forming tools require two separate drives for linear and rotary movements of the index shaft and plate, which are inefficient and complex.
Innovation Solution
A gear device that converts a single drive movement into combined linear and rotary movements of a tool part using a shaft with radial recesses and projections interacting with guide elements, allowing for a single drive to achieve both motions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If two separate drives (linear drive and rotary drive) are used to achieve linear and rotary movements of the index shaft and plate, then both movements can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of linear drive and rotary drive into a single drive mechanism. The index shaft is designed with a cam profile that converts single-direction linear motion from one drive into combined linear and rotary motion, eliminating the need for two separate drives while maintaining full functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a dynamic cam profile on the index shaft that transforms the motion characteristics. As the shaft moves linearly, the cam profile geometry dynamically converts this motion into rotary movement of the index plate, allowing one drive to control both degrees of freedom through dynamic geometric transformation
2Ease of operation
If two separate drives are used for linear and rotary movements, then complete motion control is achieved, but the manufacturing cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate drive systems into one by integrating the rotary drive function directly into the linear drive mechanism through the cam-profiled index shaft. This reduces the number of motors, control systems, and mechanical components needed, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The index shaft serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the driven element for linear motion and as the cam mechanism that generates rotary motion. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and simplifies the overall system architecture, making it easier and more cost-effective to manufacture
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
Simplifies the movement mechanism by eliminating the need for a separate rotational drive, enabling efficient and cost-effective linear and rotational movements of the tool part.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one radial recess comprises at least one linear recess section parallel to the shaft axis and at least one helical recess section coaxial with respect to the shaft axis, and the at least one radial projection extends radially into the at least one radial recess and is designed to slide along or in the at least one radial recess
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention discloses a gear device (20) which is designed and configured to convert a drive movement of a drive into a linear and rotary movement of a first tool part (21) of a forming tool (22) of a forming device, in particular a plastic injection molding device, comprising at least a shaft (23) with a shaft axis (24), a first interface (25) and a second interface (26), wherein the first interface (25) is designed to connect the shaft to the first tool part (21), and the second interface (26) is designed to connect the shaft (23) to the drive at least axially fixedly, and a housing in which the shaft (23) is guided rotatably about the shaft axis (24) and linearly movable parallel to the shaft axis (24).The invention provides that at least one radial recess (28) is arranged or formed on a radially outer circumferential surface of the shaft (23) and at least one radial projection (29, 30) cooperating with the at least one radial recess (28) is arranged or formed on a guide element (27) of the housing, wherein the at least one radial projection (29, 30) can slide from at least one linear recess section (31, 32) into at least one helical recess section (33, 34) and/or from at least one helical recess section (33, 34) into at least one linear recess section (31, 32) when the shaft (23) is actuated by means of the drive only linearly and parallel to the shaft axis (24).