Linear Drive Locking Mechanism for Fail-Safe Power Loss Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety devices for linear drives require auxiliary power sources like compressed air or electricity to function reliably, which can fail during power outages, leading to unreliable operation.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical safety device with a coupling rod, blocking unit, and support rolling elements that utilize a spring device and electromagnets to lock the output member, allowing reliable operation without auxiliary power by transitioning to a predefined safety state during power failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If auxiliary power sources (compressed air or electricity) are used in safety devices, then the safety device can function during normal operation, but the safety device becomes unreliable during power outages or power source failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical/electromagnetic locking mechanism with a purely mechanical locking system using spring-loaded locking elements and cam surfaces. The spring device provides the locking force mechanically, eliminating dependence on auxiliary power sources. The coupling rod transmits mechanical motion directly to actuate the locking elements through cam surfaces, creating a fail-safe mechanical system that operates reliably without electricity or compressed air.
2Reliability
If a purely mechanical locking system is used without auxiliary power, then the safety device operates reliably during power failures, but the locking mechanism requires more complex mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The spring device is pre-loaded during normal operation to store potential energy, automatically engaging the locking elements in the locked position before any failure occurs. The cam surfaces on the coupling rod are pre-configured to automatically actuate the locking elements as the rod moves, eliminating the need for complex control systems during failure scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded locking elements automatically engage and disengage based on the position of the coupling rod, without requiring external control signals or auxiliary power. The system uses its own mechanical motion to actuate the locking mechanism, creating a self-regulating fail-safe system that reduces overall complexity.
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
Ensures reliable operation of the safety device by mechanically locking the output member in a predefined state during power failures, eliminating the need for auxiliary power sources and ensuring consistent functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a spring device for preloading the blocking device in the direction of the blocking position
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnet device which, when energized, holds the support sleeve in the support position against the actuating force of at least one release spring
Implementation Method 3
a locking device for locking the blocking unit in the release position, wherein the locking device has locking rolling elements accommodated in the housing
Data Source
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AI summary
A safety device for releasably locking the output member of a linear drive is proposed, comprising: - a coupling rod (12) that can be coupled to the output member of the linear drive, - a locking unit (21) through which the coupling rod (12) is linearly displaceable and which is movable relative to a housing (13) between a locking position (30) that blocks a stroke of the coupling rod (12) and a release position (31) that allows linear movement of the coupling rod (12), - a spring device (28) for pre-tensioning the locking unit (21) into the locking position (30), - a locking device (41) for locking the locking unit (21) in the release position (31), wherein the locking device (41) includes locking rolling elements (34a-c) received in the housing (13) and a linearly displaceable element through which the coupling rod (12) is a slidably inserted support sleeve (42) has an electromagnetic device (18),which, when energized, holds the support sleeve (42) in the support position (43) against the actuating force of at least one release spring (48) of a release spring device (49).