Magnetic Shaft Drive Mounting to Prevent Pressed-Part Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shaft drive devices face issues with separation of the pressed part and actuating member due to insufficient return force, leading to defects such as component falling-off and posture deviation, particularly when handling larger components, and are limited by size reduction demands and cost constraints.

Innovation Solution

A shaft drive device with a ferromagnetic pressed part and a magnetically actuated actuating member, allowing for increased return force without physical modifications, using magnetic attraction to maintain contact and prevent separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the urging force of the return spring is increased to suppress separation of the pressed part and actuating member, then the reliability of shaft operation is improved, but the device size increases and the driving acceleration rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuppression of separation between pressed part and actuating memberVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces part of the mechanical return spring system with a magnetic field-based attraction system. The actuating member is given a magnetic force that attracts the pressed part (made of ferromagnet) upward, supplementing the return spring's urging force. This allows suppression of separation without requiring a larger spring, thus avoiding device size increase while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the urging force of the return spring is increased to suppress separation, then the reliability of shaft operation is improved, but the driving acceleration rate is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuppression of separation between pressed part and actuating memberVSAvoiddriving acceleration rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a magnetic attraction force between the actuating member and the pressed part to supplement the return spring's urging force. This magnetic force provides additional upward attraction without requiring a larger spring, thereby maintaining the driving acceleration rate while improving reliability through better suppression of separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the return force is increased to handle larger components, then the adaptability of the device is improved, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle larger componentsVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a magnetic field-based attraction system to provide additional return force. The actuating member is equipped with a magnetic force generator that attracts the ferromagnetic pressed part upward, enabling the device to handle larger and heavier components without increasing spring size or overall device dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If the urging force of the return spring is increased, then the reliability of operation is improved, but heat generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuppression of separation between pressed part and actuating memberVSAvoidheat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces part of the mechanical spring system with a magnetic attraction system. The magnetic force provides upward attraction to suppress separation without the energy loss and heat generation associated with high-force mechanical springs, thereby improving reliability while reducing heat generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Prevents separation and impact issues, enabling faster acceleration and broader component handling capabilities while adhering to size and cost constraints.

Implementation Method 1

the actuating member is given a magnetic force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The pressed part of the shaft is made of ferromagnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12526970B2Shaft drive device and component mounting device

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A shaft drive device includes a plurality of shafts each retained in a raisable and lowerable manner; a return spring for urging each of the shafts upward; an actuating member contactable with a pressed part of any one of the shafts for raising and lowering a selected shaft; and a raising and lowering mechanism which changes a posture of the actuating member between a first posture of coming into contact with the pressed part of the shaft and pressing the pressed part to lower the shaft against an urging force of the return spring and a second posture of releasing the pressing. The pressed part of the shaft is made of ferromagnet, and the actuating member is given a magnetic force.