Lockable Coupling for Spindle Drive Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boarding aids for passenger transport vehicles with spindle mechanisms face challenges in accessibility and reliability of adjustments, particularly due to the location of clamping connections near the drive device, which are prone to lubricant exposure and subsequent loosening, and require precise matching of spindle nut paths to prevent tilting and wear.
Innovation Solution
A lockable coupling is introduced between the treadle and the spindle mechanism, allowing for easy adjustment and locking, reducing exposure to lubricants and enabling precise alignment of spindle nuts, thus preventing tilting and wear, and allowing for symmetrical design to avoid blocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a clamping connection is provided between the spindle and the drive shaft in the vicinity of the drive device, then the spindle mechanism can be adjusted during installation, but the connection is quickly exposed to lubricants and becomes loose, and subsequent adjustment is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling is introduced as an intermediary component between the drive shaft and the spindle mechanism. This coupling can be easily detached and reattached, allowing for simple adjustment during installation while maintaining a reliable connection during operation. The coupling acts as a mediator that enables both adjustability and stability without compromising either requirement.
2Ease of operation
If the clamping connection is located in the vicinity of the drive device, then the spindle mechanism can be adjusted, but the connection is exposed to lubricants and there is an increased risk of loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into distinct components: the drive shaft, the coupling, and the spindle mechanism. The coupling is designed as a separate, easily detachable component that can be adjusted independently. This segmentation allows the adjustment function to be accessed easily while protecting the main connection from lubricant exposure and loosening risks.
3Productivity
If two spindle mechanisms are used for synchronous rotation, then the ramp or sliding step can be moved, but the adjustment paths of the two spindle nuts must be precisely matched to prevent tilting and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling design incorporates asymmetric adjustment features that allow for independent adjustment of each spindle mechanism's path. This enables precise matching of the adjustment paths for the two spindle nuts, ensuring they move synchronously without tilting or excessive wear, while maintaining the productivity benefit of dual spindle mechanisms.
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 enhances the adjustability and reliability of the spindle mechanism, allowing for quick, precise, and tool-free adjustments, reducing wear and the risk of blocking, while maintaining a secure locking mechanism to ensure smooth operation.
Implementation Method 1
A spindle mechanism comprises a spindle and a spindle nut running on its thread. Such spindle mechanisms are provided in order to convert a rotational movement into the sliding movement of the treadle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The climbing aid (1) has a drive unit for moving a step plate (2) by a rotary drive. The drive unit has a spindle mechanism, where the spindle mechanism has a spindle and a spindle nut. The drive unit also has lockable and detachable couplings for the adjustment of the step plate in an adjusting position. The couplings are arranged between the step plate and the spindle mechanism.