Code Disk Clamping Fixture for Precise Alignment on Solid Shafts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching code discs to code disc carriers on closed or solid shafts lack a reliable and temporary fixing mechanism that allows for precise alignment and adjustment without preventing displacement or rotation.
Innovation Solution
A device with a base body, clamping elements, and a contact element that can be pre-tensioned to securely hold the code disc against the carrier while allowing manual rotation and lateral displacement, using a spring mechanism for adjustable force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a holding device is screwed into a hollow shaft to press the code disk against the contact surface, then the code disk is securely fixed, but this option is not available for closed or solid shafts
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a base body that interfaces with the shaft, clamping elements that can be radially displaced to grip the shaft, and a contact element that presses the code disk. This segmentation allows the device to adapt to different shaft types (hollow or solid) by using the clamping elements to grip the outer surface of any shaft type.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of inserting a holding device into the shaft from the inside (as done with hollow shafts), the invention approaches the shaft from the outside using clamping elements that radially displace to grip the shaft surface. This inverted approach makes the device compatible with both hollow and solid shafts.
2Manufacturing precision
If the code disk is tightly fixed to the code disk carrier, then positioning precision is maintained, but manual rotation and adjustment during assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element is designed with dynamic characteristics through spring preloading, allowing it to apply a controlled preload force that maintains contact between the code disk and contact surface while permitting limited manual rotation and adjustment during the assembly process. The spring force provides consistent pressure without completely restricting movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The preload force parameter is carefully selected to balance two requirements: it must be sufficient to maintain surface contact and positioning precision, yet small enough to allow manual rotation and lateral displacement adjustments. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between fixation strength and adjustability.
3Reliability
If clamping elements are radially displaced to clamp the base body to the shaft section, then secure attachment is achieved, but access to the code disk for UV curing may be obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping function is distributed to multiple discrete clamping elements arranged around the shaft, rather than using a single large clamping mechanism. This segmentation allows UV light to access the code disk from multiple directions, reducing obstruction while maintaining secure attachment through the combined action of multiple clamping points.
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
Enables precise alignment and temporary fixation of code discs on closed or solid shafts, facilitating easy adjustment and minimizing space requirements, with minimal obstruction for bonding processes.
Implementation Method 1
the contact element is preloaded into the extended position by a spring device
Implementation Method 2
interacts with the clamping elements via respective wedge surfaces to convert an axial movement of the adjusting element into radial movements of the clamping elements
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for fixing a code disk to a code disk carrier, wherein the code disk has a recess and wherein the code disk carrier has a shaft section to be passed through the recess and a support section with a contact surface, comprises a base body which defines an axis and has at least two coupling sections on which respective clamping elements are mounted such that they can be moved radially, an adjusting device by means of which the clamping elements can be moved towards the axis for a coupling engagement with the shaft section of the code disk carrier located between the coupling sections, and at least one contact element which is mounted such that it can be moved axially displaceably on the base body and can be pretensioned in the direction of an extended position in order to press the code disk against the contact surface when the base body is coupled to the code disk carrier.