Castellated Shaft Locking Assembly for Liquid-Resistant Motion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for caster mounted devices and rotary equipment lack coordinated motion control and effective locking mechanisms, particularly in the presence of liquids and varying temperatures, and often rely on friction or require complex two-step operations.
Innovation Solution
A shaft locking assembly featuring a locking shaft with a castellated ring element and a splined portion, integrated with a drive shaft and retaining structure, allowing for automatic locking and motion control through a shaft engagement device that actuates the locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction-based locking devices are used, then locking function is provided, but reliability deteriorates in the presence of liquids and temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces friction-based mechanical locking with a positive engagement locking mechanism using castellated ring elements that interlock with corresponding slots or protrusions. This mechanical substitution eliminates reliance on friction, providing reliable locking in liquid and temperature variations where friction-based systems fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the locking mechanism from continuous friction contact to discrete positional engagement through castellated ring elements. This parameter change from analog (friction) to digital (discrete positions) locking provides reliable engagement independent of environmental conditions like liquids and temperature.
2Reliability
If independent pin-based locking devices are used, then locking function is provided, but device complexity increases due to two-step operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking and motion control functions into a single integrated mechanism. The castellated ring elements on the locking shaft engage with corresponding features on the drive shaft, allowing both locking and drive transmission through one unified system rather than separate pin-based components requiring two-step operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking shaft with castellated ring elements serves multiple functions: it provides locking engagement when positioned, and transmits rotational motion when engaged with the drive shaft. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate locking pins and complex two-step operations.
3Reliability
If known rack and pinion locking devices are used, then locking is provided, but motion control capability is lost when released
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the locking mechanism with the drive shaft connection through the castellated ring elements. When the locking shaft rotates, it simultaneously controls both the locking engagement and the drive shaft rotation, providing continuous motion control capability whether locked or unlocked, unlike separate rack and pinion systems.
4Measurement precision
If discrete locking positions are provided, then locking precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The castellated ring elements have asymmetric geometry with specific engagement faces and clearance zones. This asymmetric design provides precise discrete locking positions through the geometry of the elements themselves, rather than requiring additional complex positioning mechanisms or multiple components.
Data Source
AI summary
In one version there is provided a shaft locking assembly for use in an apparatus, to provide motion control and unwanted movement elimination of the apparatus. The shaft locking assembly includes a locking device with a locking shaft having a castellated ring element with castellations. The shaft locking assembly includes a drive shaft and a rotating element disposed around the drive shaft. The shaft locking assembly includes a retaining structure assembly having a side portion with projection members corresponding to the castellations. The shaft locking assembly is in a locked position when the castellations are engaged and interlocked with the projection members, and the shaft locking assembly is in an unlocked position when a shaft engagement device is engaged with the drive shaft and the locking shaft, and actuates the locking shaft, so that the castellations are disengaged and unlocked from the projection members, and rotates the drive shaft.