Compliant Follower Cam System Frictional Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cam and follower systems require complex deflection systems, such as biasing springs, to achieve locking positions, leading to increased system complexity, cost, and alignment/tolerance issues, as well as component wear due to frictional contact.
Innovation Solution
A compliant follower cam system with an elastically deformable first contact wall that deflects upon cam rotation, creating a biasing force for component retention without the need for separate deflection systems, utilizing a cam body that rotates relative to its axis to align with a displacement axis and induce deflection in the follower.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solid cam and follower system is used, then the locking position can be created, but separate biasing springs or deflection systems are required which increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the deflection system and biasing function directly into the follower component by making it compliant. The follower is constructed with a compliant body that inherently provides both the deflection needed to reach locked position and the biasing force to maintain it, eliminating the need for separate springs or deflection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the follower from rigid to compliant by using elastically deformable material. This parameter change allows the follower to deflect under cam lobe pressure and store elastic energy, providing both the motion control and biasing force needed for reliable locking without additional components.
2Reliability
If multiple parts are used in the cam system, then the locking function can be achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (follower motion control, deflection, and biasing force generation) into a single compliant follower component. This consolidation reduces the total part count and assembly complexity while maintaining the locking function, thereby reducing manufacturing cost.
3Reliability
If a solid cam and follower are used, then the locking position can be created, but alignment and tolerance issues must be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the follower from a rigid component to a compliant one made of elastically deformable material. This compliance allows the follower to accommodate misalignment and tolerance variations in the cam-follower interface through elastic deformation, reducing the stringency of alignment and tolerance requirements while maintaining reliable locking.
4Reliability
If frictional contact occurs between cam and follower, then the locking position can be created, but component wear results requiring subsequent adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the follower material property to be compliant and elastically deformable, which allows for more conformal contact with the cam surface. This distributes the contact pressure more evenly, reduces localized wear, and maintains the frictional locking function over extended service life without requiring adjustment.
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 system by eliminating the need for external biasing devices, reduces wear, and enhances alignment and retention capabilities through a frictional engagement mechanism, thereby minimizing complexity and cost while improving component stability.
Implementation Method 1
A compliant follower has an elastically deformable first contact wall positioned proximate to a cavity. The cam when thereafter rotated with respect to the cam rotational axis deflects the first contact wall into the cavity and defines a deflected condition of the compliant follower and creates a biasing force releasably frictionally engaging the first contact wall with the cam.
Data Source
AI summary
A compliant follower cam system includes a cam rotatable about a cam rotational axis continuously aligned with a cam displacement axis. The cam has a body center spaced from the rotational axis. A compliant follower has an elastically deformable first contact wall positioned proximate to a cavity. The first contact wall is directly contacted by the cam body outer surface. A compliant follower non-deflected condition occurs when a first contact wall outer surface directly contacts the cam body outer surface prior to deflection of the first contact wall, with the cam body center out of alignment with the displacement axis. Rotating the cam moves the body center toward the compliant follower into alignment with the displacement axis. The cam thereby deflects the first contact wall into the cavity defining a compliant follower deflected condition and creates a biasing force releasably frictionally engaging the first contact wall and cam.