Motorized Joint Locking Mechanism for Programmable Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized joints in programmable automatic movement devices lack a safe mechanism to prevent uncontrolled movement due to torque peaks and power supply interruptions, which can lead to damage and require oversized components to withstand torque peaks.
Innovation Solution
A motorized joint with a locking device that automatically switches to a locked state using stored energy when a predetermined torque is exceeded, allowing movement while preventing damage, and can switch back to a released state using stored energy in case of power supply interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device is added to prevent uncontrolled movement, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking device with the drive motor assembly, where the locking device integrates with the motor housing and shares structural elements with the drive system. This merging approach adds safety functionality while minimizing overall device complexity by reusing existing components and spatial arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on motor operation states without requiring external control systems. The motor's own operational characteristics (rotation direction, power supply status) trigger the locking mechanism, making the system self-regulating and reducing control complexity.
2Reliability
If energy storage device is added to maintain locking state during power interruptions, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device (spring mechanism) is pre-charged during normal operation when power is available. This preliminary energy storage allows the locking device to maintain its state or switch states automatically during power interruptions without requiring complex real-time decision-making circuits or external power management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-based energy storage device automatically provides the necessary force to maintain or change locking state during power failures without requiring external intervention. The system uses its own operational cycles to charge the spring during normal operation, creating a self-sustaining reliability mechanism.
3Strength
If locking device directly locks motor shaft, then torque peak damage is prevented, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device uses a friction-based locking element that contacts the motor shaft or a locking surface on the shaft. This friction interface acts as an intermediary that accommodates minor manufacturing tolerances and misalignments, preventing direct rigid engagement that would require high precision. The friction mechanism absorbs dimensional variations while still providing effective torque limitation and damage prevention.
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 effectively reduces torque peaks on components, preventing damage and allowing for a compact design by automatically locking or releasing the joint based on torque values and power availability, ensuring safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the energy storage device is designed to store mechanical energy and includes a spring
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic brake to prevent rotation of the rotatable housing
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a motorized joint (1) for connecting two supports (2, 3), which can be moved relative to each other, of a programmable moving machine having a drive motor (4); a securing device (16) that can be switched to a locking state, in which the securing device (16) locks the joint, or alternatively to a release state, in which the securing device (16) does not lock the joint; and an energy line (24) which transports energy supplied from the outside for operating and/or controlling the securing device (16) and/or the drive motor (4). The motorized joint (1) has an energy storage device (25) which is connected to the securing device (16). The securing device (16) can be supplied with at least one part of the energy stored in the energy storage device (25) in order to produce at least one switchover process from the locking state to the release state or from the release state to the locking state.