Differential Gear Overtravel Stop Without Axial Displacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing over travel stop systems for rotary devices are inefficient due to high space requirements, limited load capacity, and poor scalability, as they rely on axial displacement and limited contact areas, which restrict their application in various load and stroke scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A geared over travel stop system comprising concentric and rotatable gears with differential speeds, featuring end stops that engage to prevent further rotation when a predetermined number of turns is reached, allowing for scalable and compact design without axial displacement, and optionally incorporating additional members for enhanced load distribution and friction control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If axial displacement along a thread is used for over travel stop, then the stop can limit the amount of turns, but the system takes up a lot of space and has limited load capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from axial displacement (linear dimension) to angular displacement (rotational dimension) for achieving the over travel stop function. By using concentric gears with different circumferences that rotate through the same angle, the system limits turns without requiring long axial threads, thereby reducing space requirements while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the over travel limitation function into two separate concentric gears instead of using a single threaded mechanism. Each gear has its own end stop that engages with the other, allowing the function to be distributed across multiple components with smaller individual dimensions, reducing overall space occupation.
2Reliability
If axial displacement along a thread is used for over travel stop, then the stop can limit the amount of turns, but the end stops have limited load capacity due to limited contact areas
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes from linear axial contact to rotational angular contact between end stops. The end stops on concentric gears engage through rotational movement, creating larger contact areas compared to axial thread engagement, thereby increasing load capacity while maintaining reliable over travel limitation.
3Reliability
If axial displacement along a thread is used for over travel stop, then the stop can limit the amount of turns, but the system does not scale well with load or stroke requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The concentric gear system provides a universal solution that can adapt to different load and stroke requirements by simply changing gear ratios or gear sizes. The same basic mechanism works across various applications, making the system scalable and versatile unlike fixed-thread axial displacement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows easy adjustment of over travel limits by changing parameters such as gear circumferences, gear ratios, or initial angular positions, without fundamentally changing the mechanism structure. This enables scaling to meet different load and stroke requirements while maintaining the same reliable over travel limitation principle.
4Volume of moving object
If concentric gears with differential speeds are used, then the system achieves compact design and scalability, but requires precise engagement of end stops
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an intermediary spring mechanism between the end stops to accommodate minor manufacturing tolerances and ensure reliable engagement. The spring acts as a buffer that compensates for small dimensional variations, reducing the stringency of precision requirements while maintaining compact gear design.
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 system effectively prevents over travel in rotary devices with a scalable, compact, and low-drag design, capable of handling various load and stroke applications while minimizing space and weight, and reducing complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
the first end stop and the second end stop are configured to engage each other when the first gear and the second gear have each rotated a predetermined number of turns; and wherein engagement of the first end stop with the second end stop is configured to prevent rotation of the first gear and the second gear
Data Source
AI summary
A system for stopping rotation of a first gear and a second gear on a shaft, The first gear and second gear are concentric and rotatable about said shaft. The first gear and the second gear are driven by the same input system and the first gear and the second gear are configured to rotate at differential speeds and independently to each other. The first gear comprises a first end stop and the second gear comprises a second end stop and the first end stop and the second end stop are configured to engage each other when the first gear and the second gear have each rotated a predetermined number of turns. Engagement of the first end stop with the second end stop is configured to prevent rotation of the first gear and the second gear and cause a stall in the system.