Catching Latch Arrangement Torque Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring tensioners with freewheels face challenges in transferring strong torque due to limited space and high costs associated with clamping brakes, which are not well-suited for handling strong torques and require expensive production.
Innovation Solution
A catching latch arrangement within the drive wheel, utilizing multiple latches that engage recesses to transfer torque, replacing the need for a clamping brake and avoiding the use of roller bearings, allowing for strong torque transfer in a compact space with brass as the bearing material for enhanced durability and ease of processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamping brake is used to prevent disconnection of the spring end from the shaft, then the spring end is secured, but the torque transfer capability is limited and production cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping brake is segmented into multiple independent latches (at least three) that can be distributed around the circumference of the drive wheel. This segmentation allows each latch to handle a portion of the torque, enabling stronger torque transfer while maintaining the security function. The segmented structure also simplifies manufacturing compared to a single complex brake mechanism.
2Power
If a friction clutch and clamping brake are used to transfer torque in both rotational directions, then torque transfer is achieved, but the space requirement inside the drive wheel becomes too large
Solution Approach 1:
The catching latch arrangement merges the functions of the friction clutch and clamping brake into a single integrated mechanism. The latches serve both to transfer torque in the blocking direction and to prevent spring disconnection, eliminating the need for separate components. This merging significantly reduces the space required inside the drive wheel while maintaining or enhancing torque transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a clamping brake that applies force radially inward, the invention uses latches that engage with recesses in the circumferential direction. This dimensional change allows the latches to transfer torque through engagement at the circumference rather than through radial clamping, reducing the space required in the radial direction while maintaining torque transfer capability.
3Ease of operation
If a roller bearing is added to support the drive wheel for free rotation, then the freewheel function is improved, but the space requirement and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interior body is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural support for the latches, creates the recesses for latch engagement, and acts as a slide bearing surface for the drive wheel. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate roller bearing, reducing device complexity and space requirements while maintaining smooth freewheel rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller bearing is extracted from the system and replaced by the slide bearing function integrated into the interior body. This extraction simplifies the overall structure by removing a separate component and its associated complexity, while the slide bearing function is achieved through the geometry and material properties of the interior body itself.
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 catching latch arrangement effectively transfers strong torque in a minimal space, reducing production costs and avoiding the limitations of clamping brakes, while ensuring the structural integrity to handle loads with multiple latches distributing forces evenly.
Implementation Method 1
in the blocking direction at least three latches simultaneously engage recesses accepting them in the blocking direction
Implementation Method 2
an interior body of the catching latch arrangement arranged inside the circular drive wheel, pivotally supporting the latches, is simultaneously a part of a slide bearing for the circular drive wheel
Implementation Method 3
the circular drive wheel is held for rotation, without the use of roller bearings, at the outside of the interior body in reference thereto in the alignment direction of the latches and held blocked from rotation against the alignment direction of the latches
Implementation Method 4
the interior body of the catching latch arrangement comprises bearing material or non-iron metal, in particular brass
Data Source
AI summary
A device (1) that compensates the weight of a suspended load, for example a tool or welding tongs, is provided as a spring tensioner with at least one barrel (4) or supporting wire that can be reeled off a barrel (3) against the force of a spring (2). The barrel (3) is supported on a shaft (6), to which the spring (2) engages directly with its interior end or via a sheath connected to the shaft (6), while the opposite exterior end of the spring (2) is mounted to the barrel (3) at the inside. A shaft drive (7) can be activated to change the pull force at the spring (2) via the shaft (6). The spring (2) is connected to the shaft drive (7) or to a drive wheel (8) allocated thereto via a freewheel. The freewheel is embodied with a catching latch arrangement (9) which, in the blocking direction has at least three or four latches (10) that simultaneously engage the recesses or catching recesses (11) which receive them, said latches being arranged at the inside at a circular drive wheel (12) allocated to a drive wheel (8). An interior body (13) of the catching latch arrangement located inside the circular drive wheel (12) supports the latches (10) and is simultaneously a part of a slide bearing for the circular drive wheel (12) for rotation in the freewheel direction. In this way, in a small space strong forces can be transferred.