Locking Mechanism Using Dead-Point Kinematics for Reliable Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current locking and unlocking systems in mechatronic control systems face challenges in achieving maximum functional reliability under severe conditions, such as high external loads and limited auxiliary power, while maintaining a simple structure and avoiding oversized actuators, especially during the transition between locked and unlocked states.
Innovation Solution
A locking and unlocking system with reversible triggerability, featuring transmission kinematics that can assume two dead center positions, allowing kinematic elements to move beyond these positions, and a four-element coupling mechanism with adjustable kinematic dimensions and self-centering connecting members, optimized for load conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional safety brakes, parking brakes, pawls, or check valves are installed to achieve rigid blocking, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission kinematics utilizes its own dead-point positions to provide inherent locking capability. The system serves itself by using the mechanical properties of the transmission elements to create stable locked and unlocked states without requiring additional braking or locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the transmission kinematics by utilizing dead-point positions. By designing the transmission to have specific dead-points that correspond to locked and unlocked states, the system achieves reliable blocking through parameter optimization rather than additional components.
2Force
If the locking/unlocking point is relocated to the input of a gearbox, then the loads at the locking point are reduced, but mechanical play increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission kinematics acts as an intermediary mechanism between the actuator and the final output. It mediates the force transmission by utilizing dead-point positions to provide both force reduction and positioning precision, eliminating the need to relocate the locking point to the gearbox input.
3Reliability
If oversized actuators are combined with a control system to meet full-load operating characteristics, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission kinematics provides self-regulating characteristics through its dead-point positions. The system automatically maintains the desired full-load operating characteristics during locking and unlocking operations without requiring oversized actuators or complex control systems to manage the transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic characteristics to the transmission system by utilizing dead-point positions that naturally provide the required acceleration values during locking and unlocking. This dynamic behavior eliminates the need for oversized actuators and complex control systems.
4Ease of operation
If a control system is used to regulate the locking and unlocking process, then operational characteristics are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission kinematics provides self-regulating characteristics through its dead-point positions. The system automatically maintains the desired full-load operating characteristics during locking and unlocking operations without requiring oversized actuators or complex control systems to manage the transitions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The interlocking and unlocking system has an inter-or unlocking element, which is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, where the transition kinematics has a kinematics element and is designed such that it takes two dead center positions. The transition kinematics is designed such that it takes a dead center position in the interlocking position and another dead center position in the unlocking position. One of the kinematics elements is dimensioned in a kinematically effective direction. The transition kinematics moves beyond its respective dead center position.