Guide Cam Groove Layout for Quiet Reliable Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guide cam devices suffer from poor operation feel due to step formation in cam grooves, generating impact sounds and increased friction, making them unsuitable for silent applications, and are costly to produce, while also being prone to malfunctions under external impacts.
Innovation Solution
A guide cam device with a cam groove design featuring a first, second, and third groove, where the second groove is inclined away from the third, and a restriction member, such as an elastically deformable spring, prevents entry into the third groove, allowing smooth movement and locking without a step on the bottom surface, reducing friction and impact sounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a step is formed on the bottom surface of the cam groove to enable locking, then the projection can be reliably locked in position, but impact sounds are generated and operation feel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cam groove is segmented into multiple grooves (first groove, second groove, third groove) with different functions. The locking function is achieved through the projection entering a locked state upon entering the locking recess, while the restriction member segments the movement path to prevent direct entry into the third groove, thereby separating the locking action from impact generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The restriction member acts as an intermediary element that controls the projection's movement path. It inhibits entry from the first groove to the third groove and permits advancement only to the second groove, mediating between the projection and the locking mechanism to prevent impact sounds while maintaining reliable locking.
2Reliability
If a hexagonal guide pin is used with a loop-shaped groove to achieve locking, then the guide pin can move in fixed direction and be locked, but the structure becomes complicated and processing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projection is designed with a simple cylindrical shape that serves multiple functions: it moves smoothly through the cam groove, enters the locking recess for reliable locking, and is controlled by the restriction member. This universal design eliminates the need for complex hexagonal cross-sections and loop-shaped grooves while achieving the same locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the guide pin complex (hexagonal) to achieve locking, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the pin simple and making the cam groove structure (with multiple grooves and restriction member) perform the locking function. This reverses the traditional design philosophy and simplifies the moving component.
3Reliability
If the guide pin slides with side surface contact in the groove, then locking can be achieved, but friction resistance increases and smooth movement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cam groove structure provides different local qualities in different regions: the first groove, second groove, and third groove have specific configurations optimized for their respective functions. The restriction member provides localized control at the branching point, while the locking recess provides localized locking. This allows the projection to move smoothly in each region without constant side surface contact friction.
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 reliable locking of the projection in the guide cam device without forming a step, suppressing sound generation and reducing friction, allowing smooth operation and preventing abrasion, making it suitable for silent applications like on-board devices.
Implementation Method 1
the restriction member is deformed or moved to enable the projection to move to the first groove
Data Source
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AI summary
A guide cam device includes a cam groove, a projection, and a restriction member. The cam groove includes: first, second, and third grooves, the second and third grooves branching forward from the first groove; and a locking recess positioned between a forward end of the second groove and a forward end of the third groove. The projection is configured to move forward and backward in the cam groove and enter a locked state upon entering the locking recess. The restriction member is configured to inhibit entry of the projection from the first groove to the third groove and permit the projection to advance from the first groove to the second groove. In response to being pushed by the projection that exits the locking recess and moves backward in the third groove, the restriction member is deformed or moved to enable the projection to move to the first groove.