Helical Gear Locking Mechanism Prevents Unintentional Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for heavy components, such as bridge-laying vehicles, face issues with unintentional release due to pressure drops in hydraulic systems, requiring complex structural solutions or manual locking mechanisms for secure end position locking.
Innovation Solution
A locking device utilizing a helical gear with spiral grooves and sliding blocks allows for simple rotary locking without additional drives or manual mechanisms, featuring an angled end position locking mechanism and tensioned springs for secure engagement, preventing unintentional release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an additional locking element is provided for end position safety, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking element and the end position safety device into a single integrated component. The locking element features a form-fitting engagement geometry that automatically provides end position locking when engaged with the counterpart component, eliminating the need for separate additional locking elements while maintaining high reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the primary locking action, ensures end position safety through its form-fitting geometry, and prevents unintended release. This multi-functional design achieves high reliability without increasing device complexity
2Reliability
If a second drive or manual locking mechanism is used for end position locking, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically achieve end position locking through the form-fitting engagement geometry of the locking element. When the locking element is actuated, it self-locks in the end position without requiring additional drives or manual intervention, thereby maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliability
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 provides a structurally simple and reliable locking mechanism that maintains the locked position even during pressure drops or vibrations, ensuring secure engagement without the need for additional drives or manual operation.
Implementation Method 1
the screw gear (5) comprises a spiral groove (6) and a sliding block (7) engaging in this. By rotating the spiral groove (6), a feed movement of the locking element (2) into its locking position and vice versa can be achieved via the sliding block (7)
Implementation Method 2
A structurally advantageous embodiment provides that a spring (10) is provided, which is tensioned when the locking element (2) is moved into its locking position and via which the locking force acts
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for locking two components (20, 30) with a locking element (2) movable from an open position to a locked position via a drive (3) and an end-position locking device (4) which secures the locking element (2) in the locked position against unintentional release, wherein the locking element (2) is movable into its locked position via a screw drive (5), the end-position locking device (4) being arranged on the screw drive (5). The invention further relates to a bridge-laying vehicle with a deployable bridge (30) and a vehicle body (20) to which the bridge (30) can be locked via a locking device (1).