Driving Force Interrupting Mechanism Compact Spring Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional driving force interrupting mechanisms require multiple components and complex structures, leading to increased size and complexity, particularly due to the need for two helical springs and additional components, which occupy significant space in the housing.
Innovation Solution
A simplified driving force interrupting mechanism using a single helical torsion spring and a compact design with a swing shaft, fork, and operating member, where the spring is mounted between the operating member and the fork, allowing for efficient movement of the coupling sleeve between connecting and disconnecting positions, reducing the number of components and housing size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two helical torsion springs and additional components are used to achieve lost motion, then the driving force transmission can be controlled, but the number of components increases and the housing size becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two separate helical torsion springs into a single helical torsion spring. The single spring is configured to engage with both the operating member and the fork, integrating the biasing functions that were previously performed by two separate springs. This merging reduces the number of components while maintaining the ability to control driving force transmission and achieve lost motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The single helical torsion spring performs multiple functions: it biases the fork to rotate between first and second positions, engages with both the operating member and the fork, and enables lost motion functionality. This multi-functional design replaces the need for two separate springs and additional components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If two helical torsion springs and additional components are used to achieve lost motion, then the driving force transmission can be controlled, but the housing size becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components (two helical torsion springs and associated parts) into a single helical torsion spring configuration. This consolidation reduces the overall volume required for the mechanism, allowing the housing to be smaller while still achieving the necessary driving force transmission control and lost motion functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single helical torsion spring is configured to engage with both the operating member and the fork in a nested arrangement, where the spring effectively serves multiple engagement points. This nesting of functions within a single component reduces the spatial requirements and allows for a more compact housing design.
3Device complexity
If a single helical torsion spring is used, then the number of components is reduced and housing size is smaller, but the mechanism must still achieve lost motion functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The single helical torsion spring is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it biases the fork to rotate between positions, engages with both the operating member and the fork, and enables lost motion. This multi-functionality ensures that despite having fewer components, the mechanism maintains full lost motion functionality and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The helical torsion spring provides dynamic engagement and disengagement capabilities through its elastic properties. The spring can store and release energy to enable the fork to rotate between positions and achieve lost motion, maintaining functional reliability with a simpler component structure.
4Volume of stationary object
If a single helical torsion spring is used, then the housing size is smaller, but the mechanism must still maintain operational reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple components into a single helical torsion spring that engages with both the operating member and the fork. This consolidation reduces housing size while the spring's design ensures operational reliability through its ability to provide consistent biasing force and enable controlled motion between positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The helical torsion spring is configured with specific geometric parameters and engagement points that optimize its performance. By carefully designing the spring's dimensions, wire diameter, and engagement locations, the mechanism achieves both compact housing size and high operational reliability through controlled elastic deformation and force transmission.
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 achieves lost motion with a reduced number of components and a smaller housing size, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the risk of insecure operations caused by dimensional errors or other factors, while maintaining effective driving force transmission and interruption.
Implementation Method 1
A motion of one of the operating member and the fork follow a motion of another of the operating member and the fork via an elastic force of the spring
Data Source
AI summary
A driving force interrupting mechanism includes input and output members. A coupling sleeve is to be movable on the input and output members along a rotational axis. A fork is swingable around a swing shaft to move the coupling sleeve between a connecting position and a disconnecting position. The coupling sleeve is positioned on both of the input and output members in the connecting position. The coupling sleeve is positioned on either the input member or the output member in the disconnecting position. An operating member is integrally rotatable with the swing shaft. A spring is provided on the swing shaft between the operating member and the fork relatively rotatably with respect to the swing shaft. A motion of one of the operating member and the fork follows a motion of another of the operating member and the fork via an elastic force of the spring.