Modular Shaft Drive With Bowden Cable Belt Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive arrangements for electrically operated doors and shutters, such as up-and-over garage doors and roller shutter doors, often require bulky motors that are difficult and time-consuming to install, especially when replacing existing motor arrangements in existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A drive arrangement featuring a modular design with a motor, driven wheel, and clutch mechanism, where the clutch is operable via a Bowden cable for remote control, allowing engagement and disengagement of the motor's drive to the wheel, and includes a second carriage structure for manual operation, enabling easy installation and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the motor is mounted on a framework or door surround, then the motor can be securely positioned, but the arrangement becomes bulky and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The drive arrangement is divided into separate modular components: a base structure that remains fixed, and a movable carriage structure carrying the motor that can be independently positioned and installed. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler and easier to install while maintaining secure motor positioning when assembled.
2Reliability
If the motor is mounted on a framework or door surround, then the motor can be securely positioned, but the installation becomes time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage structure is designed to be movable relative to the base structure, allowing dynamic adjustment and easy installation. The motor carriage can be slid into position and secured without requiring complex fixed mounting procedures, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining secure positioning during operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If clutch means are provided between the motor and driven wheel, then the motor can be disengaged from the shaft, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A belt is introduced as an intermediary element between the motor drive wheel and the driven wheel on the shaft. The belt can be easily engaged and disengaged by moving the carriage structure, providing clutch functionality without complex mechanical linkages. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall clutch mechanism while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive arrangement for a shaft has a module carried by the shaft and including a motor, a driven wheel and a drive wheel. The motor, gearbox and drive wheel are carried on a slider plate which can slide transverse to the axis of the shaft. A front plate is fixed transverse to the axis of the shaft. A Bowden cable has its sheath attached to the front plate, and its inner cable attached to the slider plate, so that manipulation of the Bowden cable at a remote location allows force to be applied between the plates either tightening the belt to apply drive from the motor to the shaft, or releasing tension in the belt, to disengage the drive.