Electromagnetic Detent Cam Disc for Construction Machinery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing detent mechanisms in construction machinery operating devices are complex, difficult to produce, and require detachment and reattachment for enabling and disabling the detent function, which is cumbersome and prone to errors due to wear issues.

Innovation Solution

An operating device with a cam disc having two steps on its outer surface, where an electromagnetic adsorption mechanism engages the engaging member with the steps to detent the cam disc, allowing the detent function to be enabled and disabled by controlling the current supply, reducing the need for complex structures and precise component alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical detent mechanism is used, then the detent function can be provided, but the structure becomes complex and difficult to produce

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetent functionVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical detent mechanism with an electromagnetic detent mechanism. The electromagnetic mechanism uses a coil to generate magnetic force that holds the detent ball in position, eliminating the need for complex mechanical springs and cam structures. This substitution maintains the detent function while significantly simplifying the overall structure and reducing the number of mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The cam disc is designed with multiple steps on its outer peripheral surface that can engage with the detent ball at different positions. The electromagnetic detent mechanism can hold the lever at multiple intermediate positions (not just one position), providing multi-functionality. This allows the same mechanism to serve various operational requirements without needing separate detent mechanisms for each position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the detent mechanism is detached to disable the function, then the detent function can be disabled, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetent function controlVSAvoiddetachment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic detent mechanism where the electromagnetic coil can be activated or deactivated through electrical control. When the coil is energized, it generates magnetic force to hold the detent ball, enabling the detent function. When de-energized, the magnetic force disappears and the spring returns the detent ball to its neutral position, disabling the detent function. This dynamic control allows rapid switching between detent enabled/disabled states without any mechanical detachment or reattachment operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electromagnetic adsorption mechanisms are provided, then the detent function can be enabled and disabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetent function switchingVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the detent enabling and disabling functions into a single electromagnetic adsorption mechanism. By controlling the electrical power supply to this one mechanism, both the enabled state (when powered) and disabled state (when unpowered) are achieved. This eliminates the need for multiple separate electromagnetic mechanisms and their associated components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full adaptability for enabling and disabling the detent function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enables easy production and operation of the detent function, allowing for seamless enabling and disabling without detachment, while maintaining stable detent states and preventing sudden cancellations, thus improving operational efficiency and reducing wear-related issues.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic adsorption mechanism configured to, when a current is supplied to an excitation unit, cause an adsorbing body to be adsorbed by the excitation unit and press the engaging member toward the outer surface of the cam disc

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic adsorption: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP2687937B1Operating device
Publication Date: 2020.06.10 KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KK
  • EP2687937B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2687937B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2687937B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A hydraulic operated valve 1 includes an electromagnetic adsorption mechanism 21 and a steel ball 24. In the electromagnetic adsorption mechanism 21, when a current is supplied, an adsorption plate 25 is adsorbed by a solenoid 26. By this adsorption, a steel ball 24 is pressed against an outer surface of a cam disc 7. The outer surface of the cam disc 7 includes two steps 31 and 32. When the cam disc 7 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, the pressed steel ball 24 engages with the step 31 or 32. Thus, the cam disc 7 is detented. These two steps 31 and 32 are configured such that when the cam disc 7 is returned to a neutral position, the adsorption plate 25 is separated from the solenoid 26 against the pressing of the electromagnetic adsorption mechanism 21. Thus, the detent state of the cam disc 7 is canceled.