Dual Cam Surface Architecture for Torque Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cam bolts and tool coupling systems require high locking and unlocking torque, leading to increased downtime and operator effort, especially in systems designed for large tools or high locking forces, necessitating specialized tools and posing a risk of injury.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual cam surface architecture in cam bolts, featuring first and second cam surfaces with distinct profiles, allows for reduced torque requirements by distributing locking and unlocking forces effectively, enabling secure tool coupling with minimal operator effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional cam bolts are used in tool coupling systems designed for large tools or high locking forces, then secure locking is achieved, but high locking and unlocking torque is required
Solution Approach 1:
The cam bolt is segmented into multiple cam surfaces (first cam surface and second cam surface) with different profiles. Each cam surface is responsible for different phases of the locking/unlocking operation, distributing the torque requirements across multiple interaction points rather than requiring one cam surface to handle all torque demands.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cam surfaces are designed with locally optimized profiles tailored to their specific functions. The first cam surface has a profile optimized for the locking phase while the second cam surface has a different profile optimized for the unlocking phase, allowing each surface to efficiently handle its specific torque requirements without being constrained by a single universal profile.
2Strength
If conventional cam bolts require large unlocking torque, then secure locking is maintained, but tool change downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking operation is segmented into phases where different cam surfaces are engaged at different times. The second cam surface is specifically designed to facilitate the unlocking phase with its optimized profile, reducing the torque needed during tool change operations and thereby reducing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam bolt system dynamically transitions between different cam surfaces during operation. During locking, the first cam surface is primarily engaged, while during unlocking, the second cam surface becomes active. This dynamic switching allows the system to optimize performance for each phase of operation.
3Strength
If conventional cam bolts require large torque, then high locking forces are achieved, but operator effort and injury risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cam surfaces are designed with locally optimized profiles that reduce the peak torque requirements during both locking and unlocking operations. The first cam surface profile is optimized for efficient locking with reduced operator effort, while the second cam surface profile is optimized for easy unlocking, thereby reducing overall operator effort and injury risk while maintaining the required locking force.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, cam bolts are described herein employing a dual cam surface architecture. In some embodiments, a cam bolt described herein defines a longitudinal axis and comprises a first end, a second end, at least one engagement member disposed on at least one of the first end and the second end, at least two first cam surfaces, and at least one second cam surface. The engagement member is configured to engage a torque implement to rotate the cam bolt about the longitudinal axis when torque is applied by the torque implement. The first cam surfaces are disposed about the longitudinal axis and have a first cam profile. The second cam surface is disposed about the longitudinal axis between the first cam surfaces and has a second cam profile differing from the first cam profile. At least one of the first and second cam profiles can be non-circular.