Motorized Joint Spring Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized joints in programmable movement machines become immovable when the locking device is switched to the switched-on state, requiring external support for emergency shutdowns and making it difficult to free accidentally trapped objects or persons.
Innovation Solution
A motorized joint with a spring device connected to the locking mechanism, allowing the locked component to move against a restoring force or torque, featuring a positive locking means that engages with a counter-positive locking means or a frictional brake, enabling elastic movement between connected carriers without causing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking device is switched to the engaged state to secure the drive train, then the reliability and stability of the programmable movement device is improved, but the supports become completely immobile and require external support for emergency release
Solution Approach 1:
The spring device is pre-installed in the drive train to absorb excessive forces before they can cause damage. When external support is applied during emergency release, the spring device cushions the impact and allows the supports to be moved without damaging the locking device or drive train components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring device introduces dynamic compliance to an otherwise rigid locked system. When external force is applied during emergency release, the spring device allows controlled movement of the supports by deforming elastically, transforming the static locked state into a dynamically adaptable state that accommodates emergency release requirements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the locking device is switched to the engaged state to prevent movement, then the stability of the connected supports is improved, but objects accidentally trapped between the supports cannot be freed without external support
Solution Approach 1:
The spring device is pre-positioned to absorb excessive forces that occur when objects are trapped between the supports. During emergency release, the spring device cushions the force applied to free the trapped object, allowing the supports to move slightly without damaging the locked component or drive train.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring device converts the potentially harmful rigid constraint of the locked state into a beneficial compliant state. When trapped objects need to be freed, the spring device's elasticity allows controlled movement that safely removes the trapped object while protecting the drive train from damage.
3Reliability
If a rigid locking mechanism is used to secure the drive train, then the precision and reliability of the locking is improved, but the components are vulnerable to damage from excessive external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The spring device is installed in advance to absorb excessive forces before they can damage the rigid locking mechanism or drive train components. The spring device acts as a protective element that deforms under excessive load, preventing force transmission to vulnerable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring device serves as an intermediary element between the rigid locking mechanism and the external forces. It mediates the interaction by absorbing and dampening excessive forces, protecting the precision locking components from damage while maintaining locking reliability during normal operation.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the locking device is made rigid to ensure secure locking, then the stability of the locked state is improved, but high load peaks can damage the drive train components
Solution Approach 1:
The spring device is pre-installed to absorb high load peaks before they can damage the drive train components. During locked operation, the spring device maintains system stability while providing a compliance buffer that protects vulnerable components from sudden force spikes.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring device changes the mechanical parameters of the locked state by introducing controlled compliance. It transforms the completely rigid locked state into a semi-compliant state that maintains stability for normal operation but allows deformation to absorb and dissipate high load peaks, protecting the drive train.
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 easy intervention and safe release of trapped objects by allowing limited elastic movement between connected carriers even after the locking device is activated, protecting the drive train components from excessive forces and high load peaks.
Implementation Method 1
a spring device (13) which, in the connected state, allows a movement of the locked component against a restoring force and/or against a restoring moment
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a motorized joint for connecting two carriers movable relative to each other of a programmable motion machine, which has an actuator with a drive motor, with a voltage wave gear which is connected downstream of the drive motor in terms of drive technology, and with a switchable locking device which is designed and arranged to lock a component belonging to the drive train of the actuator in the engaged state and not to lock it in a release state, wherein a spring device is provided which, in the engaged state, allows movement of the locked component against a restoring force and/or against a restoring torque.The motorized joint is characterized in that the locking device is connected to the component to be locked via the spring device, wherein the locking device has a positive locking means which, in the engaged state, is in positive engagement with a counter-positive locking means, and a locking means which has the positive locking means or the counter-positive locking means, or wherein the locking device is designed as a friction-locking brake or has a friction-locking brake.