Encoder Scale Disc Radial Compression Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional encoder apparatuses face challenges in reducing size and complexity while maintaining accurate positioning and mounting without external fastenings, particularly in rotary encoders where the scale disc needs to be securely attached without obstructing internal components.
Innovation Solution
The encoder scale disc incorporates radially and tangentially resilient features that interact with a mount to apply radial compression, allowing for secure mounting without external fastenings, increased internal space, and reduced size, while ensuring repeatable positioning through geometric interaction with the mount.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the scale disc is securely mounted without external fastenings, then the device complexity is reduced, but the mounting reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The scale disc incorporates radially resilient features that automatically interact with the mount to apply radial compression, enabling self-mounting without external fastenings. The resilient features serve both as mounting elements and as indicators of proper installation, eliminating the need for separate fastening components while ensuring reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The radially resilient features change their physical state (compression) when mounted, transitioning from an unmounted state to a mounted state with applied radial compression. This parameter change provides a built-in indication of proper mounting and ensures consistent positioning without requiring external fasteners.
2Volume of moving object
If the encoder size is reduced, then the compactness is improved, but the space for internal components may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The radially resilient features extend radially outward from the scale, utilizing the radial dimension for mounting functions. This allows the internal area radially inward of the scale to be used for electronic components and services, effectively separating mounting functions from the internal component space and enabling compact design without sacrificing internal volume.
3Area of moving object
If the radially resilient features are located radially outward of the scale, then the internal space is increased, but the mounting precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The radially resilient features provide built-in feedback regarding mounting status through their compression state. When properly mounted, the features are compressed against the mount, creating a tangible indication of correct installation. This feedback mechanism ensures repeatable positioning and maintains manufacturing precision without requiring the features to be located radially inward.
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
This solution enables a compact encoder design with improved internal space utilization, secure attachment, and repeatable mounting, reducing manufacturing complexity and potential errors from lack of concentricity, while allowing for increased placement of electronic components and services within the encoder.
Implementation Method 1
The encoder scale disc may comprise radially resilient features. The encoder scale disc may comprise tangentially resilient features. The radially and/or tangentially resilient features may be configured to interact with the mount so as to locate the scale disc on the mount.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including an encoder scale disc and a mount, the encoder scale disc including radially and/or tangentially resilient features located radially outwards of a scale configured to interact with the mount so as to locate the scale disc on the mount. The encoder scale disc may include radially resilient features which may deviate radially from the disc. A method of manufacturing an apparatus including an encoder scale disc, including mounting a disc including radially resilient features to a device, wherein the radially resilient features of the disc interact with the device to place the disc in radial compression, mounting the disc on an apparatus, wherein mounting features on the device and the apparatus interact in the same manner to place the disc in radial compression.