Self-Locking Clamping Mechanism for Torque Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for bidirectional torque transmission with self-locking mechanisms require a large number of resilient elements, occupy significant space, and need high torque to unlock, with complex structural designs and low braking effect due to non-self-locking clamping surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A compact design featuring clamping surfaces that move axially to engage and disengage, supported by a spring and ball mechanism, allowing self-locking and easy unlocking with minimal torque and rotation, eliminating the need for separate resilient elements and enhancing the clamping lock's security against slipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large number of resiliently elastic elements are used to ensure self-locking, then the reliability of the clamping lock is improved, but the device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the clamping surface and the resilient element function into a single integrated component. The clamping element itself incorporates the resilient function, eliminating the need for separate resilient elements. This merging reduces the number of parts while maintaining the self-locking capability through the elastic deformation of the clamping element during engagement and disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element serves multiple functions: it provides the clamping action, incorporates the resilient function for self-locking, and enables both locking and unlocking operations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate resilient elements and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Device complexity
If conventional clamping surfaces are used, then the structure is simple, but the braking effect is low and unlocking requires high torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs conical clamping surfaces instead of flat surfaces. The conical geometry creates a mechanical advantage where the axial movement of the clamping element generates a self-locking effect through the inclined surface. This curvature enables easy unlocking with minimal torque while maintaining structural simplicity, as the conical shape naturally guides the clamping element during engagement and disengagement.
3Reliability
If the clamping lock is designed for high security, then the reliability is improved, but the space occupation and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element is nested within the coupling element structure, utilizing the internal space of the coupling element. The resilient clamping element is positioned within the coupling element and engages with the drive shaft through the walls of the coupling element. This nested arrangement provides high clamping security without increasing the overall external dimensions of the device.
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 solution provides a secure, compact, and efficient clamping mechanism that requires a small initial torque for unlocking and minimal twisting for locking and unlocking, with improved clamping security and reduced friction losses.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping element moves between a first clamping surface of the input shaft or output shaft and a second clamping surface of the coupling element
Implementation Method 2
there is self-locking between the clamping element and the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Device comprising a drive shaft (2), an output shaft (3) directly driven by the drive shaft, a coupling element (4), and a clamping lock. The drive shaft and output shaft are mounted coaxially with the coupling element and rotatably relative to it. The clamping lock acts between the coupling element and the drive shaft or the output shaft and locks when a torque is applied to the drive shaft from the output shaft. Conversely, the clamping lock is released when a torque is applied to the output shaft from the drive shaft. The clamping lock has at least one clamping element (5) that engages between a first clamping surface (6) of the drive shaft or output shaft and a second clamping surface (7.1, 7.2).2) of the coupling element and is transferable from a neutral position, in which there is no clamping between the clamping element and the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface, to a locking position in which there is self-locking between the clamping element and the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface, so that the clamping lock is blocked. The clamping lock furthermore engages a first coupling surface (8) of the drive shaft orThe output shaft and a second coupling surface (9) of the coupling element opposite the first coupling surface, wherein the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface are aligned and designed such that they move away from each other in the axial direction of the drive shaft when the clamping element moves from the neutral position to the locked position between the first and second clamping surfaces, and wherein the first coupling surface and the second coupling surface are aligned such that they move towards each other in the axial direction of the drive shaft and engage when the clamping element moves from the neutral position to the locked position.