Rope Pick-Up Release Mechanism With Dual-Plane Toothed Disc
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding and releasing mechanisms for stepping switches are not compact enough and do not allow for a large number of operating positions, and they lack simplicity and reliability in design.
Innovation Solution
A holding and releasing mechanism featuring a toothed disk arrangement with two groups of teeth in orthogonal planes, an adjustable locking pawl with locking and securing projections, and a control device that allows for a wide range of rotational positions, enabling a compact and space-saving design with multiple operating positions and adjustable actuation positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional holding and releasing mechanisms are used, then the mechanism can hold and release the cable receiving device, but the mechanism is not compact enough and occupies excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the holding and releasing functions into a single integrated locking pawl component that can perform both functions by pivoting between different positions. The locking pawl combines the roles of holding the cable receiving device in place and releasing it when actuated, eliminating the need for separate holding and releasing mechanisms, thus reducing overall volume while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pawl is designed as a multi-functional element that can both hold the cable receiving device in various rotational positions and release it upon actuation. By making the locking pawl universal in its functionality, the mechanism achieves compact dimensions without compromising the reliability of holding and releasing operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional holding and releasing mechanisms are used, then the mechanism can operate, but it does not allow for a large number of operating positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second set of teeth on the toothed disc arranged in a different plane, adding a dimensional aspect to the locking mechanism. This allows the locking pawl to engage with teeth in different planes, effectively doubling the number of available operating positions without significantly increasing mechanism complexity. The locking pawl can pivot to engage with either the first or second set of teeth, providing versatility while maintaining simplicity.
3Volume of moving object
If the mechanism is designed to be compact, then space is saved, but the design may compromise simplicity and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The toothed disc is segmented into two distinct sets of teeth located in different planes, allowing the locking mechanism to achieve compact dimensions while maintaining functional simplicity. Each set of teeth can be independently engaged by the locking pawl, providing redundancy and reliability without adding complex control systems. The segmentation allows for a compact design that preserves simplicity through modular functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
A holding and releasing mechanism (29) is provided for holding and releasing a rope receiving device (46), for example, a step switch (20'), comprising a toothed disc arrangement (24) integrally belonging to or rotationally fixed to or connectable to the rope receiving device (46), rotatable about a first axis (X), which has a plurality of teeth (1-10, 26) on its outer circumference; an adjustable locking pawl (28), preferably pivotable about a second axis (Y), which, in a first position, in particular a first pivot position, engages with a locking projection (30) with a tooth (1-10) of the plurality of teeth associated with the respective first rotation position, serving as a locking tooth, when the toothed disc arrangement (24) is in various first rotation positions, in order to hold or stop the toothed disc arrangement (24) and thus the rope receiving device (46) in the respective first rotation position.and which, in a second position, in particular a second pivot position, engages with a locking projection (32) with a tooth (26) of the plurality of teeth assigned to the respective second rotation position, in order to hold or stop the toothed disc arrangement (24) and thus the partial receiving device (46) in the respective second rotation position, wherein the first rotation positions correspond to actuation positions of the actuating cable (48) or a subset of these actuating positions and the second rotation positions correspond to intermediate positions of the actuating cable (48) when the actuating cable (48) is transferred between adjacent actuating positions by releasing the actuating cable (48).