Motorized Joint Locking Device for Torque Peak Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized joints for programmable automatic movement devices lack precise adjustment and reliable locking of connected carriers, leading to inefficiencies in torque management and potential damage from torque peaks.
Innovation Solution
A motorized joint with an adjustable prestressing means, such as a plate spring or corrugated strip, and a locking device that uses a frictional connection with a form-fitting mechanism to decouple the output shaft from torque effects during braking, allowing precise braking and locking while reducing the risk of damage from torque peaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the output shaft is directly connected to the gear mechanism without decoupling, then the structure is simpler, but the output shaft is exposed to torque peaks during braking which can cause damage and requires a more robust (thicker, heavier) design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate element (such as a friction brake or clutch mechanism) between the output shaft and the gear mechanism. This intermediary component absorbs and dissipates torque peaks during braking operations, protecting the output shaft from damage while allowing the shaft to be designed with reduced dimensions and weight for normal operating conditions.
2Reliability
If a locking device is added to brake and lock the intermediate element or driven element, then reliable locking is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the braking function and locking function into a single integrated locking device that acts on the intermediate element or driven element. By merging these functions and utilizing the existing decoupling mechanism, the patent achieves reliable locking without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Length of moving object
If the output shaft is decoupled from torque effects during braking, then the output shaft can be made thinner and lighter, but the structure becomes more complex requiring additional decoupling mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the braking and locking functions from the main output shaft transmission path by introducing a separate locking device that acts on the intermediate element or driven element. This separation allows the output shaft to be optimized for its primary function without needing to accommodate braking torques, reducing its dimensions while the braking function is handled by the extracted locking mechanism.
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
Enables precise adjustment and reliable locking of carriers, decouples the output shaft from torque effects during braking, allowing for a thinner, lighter, and more space-saving design, while protecting the joint from damage by managing torque peaks effectively.
Implementation Method 1
to generate or to increase the frictional force, an adjustable prestressing means or a prestressing means... is present
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a motorized joint (1) for connecting two carriers (2, 3), which are movable relative to one another, of a programmable automatic moving unit, said joint (1) having a drive motor (4) and a transmission (6) connected downstream of the drive motor in the drive train, and also a locking device (16). The transmission (6) has a drive element (7) connected to an output shaft (5) of the drive motor (4) for conjoint rotation, at least one intermediate element (10), which exhibits a different rotational speed from the drive element, and an output element (17), wherein the locking device (16) is configured and arranged to directly brake and stop the intermediate element (10), the output element (17) or a component connected to the intermediate element or the output element for conjoint rotation.