Lacing Module Clutch Gear Segmentation for Rapid String Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lacing modules face difficulties in rapidly loosening strings, particularly in emergency situations where gear motor failure occurs, due to the design of worm drive units and gear motors that prevent reverse driving.
Innovation Solution
The lacing module incorporates a spool, worm gear, worm wheel gear, and clutch gear with protrusions and recesses that allow for easy detachment of torque transmission, enabling quick loosening of the string by reversing the motor rotation and using tapered shapes to prevent deformation and breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a worm gear is used to prevent reverse driving of the worm drive unit and gear motor, then reliability is improved, but the ability to rapidly loosen the string is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The gear transmission system is segmented into multiple independent components: worm gear, worm wheel gear, and clutch gear. The clutch gear can be detached from the worm wheel gear, creating separable torque transmission paths. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability through the worm gear's inherent reverse-prevention property while enabling rapid loosening by detaching the clutch gear from the worm wheel gear, thus bypassing the one-way transmission constraint.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the worm gear is designed to prevent reverse driving, then stability is improved, but the ease of operation for quick release is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The gear transmission system transitions from a static, fixed connection to a dynamic, adjustable connection. The clutch gear can be selectively engaged or disengaged from the worm wheel gear based on operational needs. During normal operation, the clutch gear is engaged to provide stable torque transmission through the worm gear's reverse-prevention mechanism. In emergency situations, the clutch gear can be quickly disengaged to enable rapid string release, thus achieving both stability during operation and ease of quick release when needed.
3Reliability
If the protrusion and recess structure is used to transmit torque, then reliability is improved, but the complexity of the device is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion and recess structures are merged into the gear bodies themselves rather than being separate components. The protrusion is formed as an integral part of one gear, and the corresponding recess is formed as an integral part of the mating gear. This merging approach ensures reliable torque transmission through the protrusion-recess engagement while avoiding the added complexity of separate fastening elements or additional structural components, thus achieving reliable torque transmission with minimal structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In a lacing module, one gear of a worm wheel gear and a clutch gear includes a protrusion, and another gear of the worm wheel gear and the clutch gear includes a recess. The worm wheel gear meshes with a worm gear rotatable together with a shaft of a motor. The clutch gear is fixed to a spool shaft portion of a spool around which a string can be wound. The protrusion protrudes in a direction between the one gear and the another gear. The recess is recessed in the direction between the one gear toward and the another gear. At least an end of the protrusion protruding from one gear to the other gear in a vertical direction is fitted into the recess.