Nested Cam Mechanism for Compact Linear Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cam mechanisms with the input shaft as the outermost component are not suitable for compact structures, limiting their application in devices requiring space-efficient motion transformation.
Innovation Solution
A cam mechanism assembly featuring a cam module positioned between an outer body and a first body, with a driver and auto-locking feature, allowing rotational displacement of the cam module to translate rotary motion into linear motion through follower elements and guide structures, enabling compact and efficient motion transformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the input shaft is positioned as the outermost component in conventional cam mechanisms, then the mechanism can be operated manually by users, but the structure becomes too large and not suitable for compact designs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by positioning the cam module between the outer body and the first body, creating a nested configuration where the cam mechanism is embedded within the housing structure rather than extending outward. This allows the input shaft to be internally positioned while maintaining manual operability through the pathway opening, significantly reducing the overall volume of the mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the pathway opening in the outer body as a new dimensional access point for manual operation. Instead of requiring the input shaft to be externally accessible in the traditional sense, the pathway provides an alternative spatial route that enables user interaction while allowing the mechanism to maintain a compact footprint in the external dimensions.
2Volume of moving object
If the cam module is positioned between the outer body and the first body, then the structure becomes compact, but the complexity of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outer body serves multiple functions: it provides the housing structure, contains the guide structure for confining follower travel, and includes the pathway opening for both structural integrity and user access to the input shaft. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall assembly despite the compact nested configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the guide structure with the outer body, integrating the function of confining follower element travel directly into the housing rather than requiring a separate guide component. This consolidation reduces the number of parts and simplifies assembly while maintaining the compact design.
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 enables smooth, accurate, and efficient translation of rotary motion into linear motion, suitable for compact designs with low noise and vibration, and includes an auto-locking feature for maintaining relative positions, enhancing the mechanism's durability and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a cam module positioned between the first body and the outer body, the cam module configured with the outer body for rotational displacement at least substantially about the axis. The cam module defines at least one pathway having a profile, the least one pathway being shaped and dimensioned for travel of the at least one follower element therealong during rotational displacement of the cam module about the axis
Implementation Method 2
The auto-locking feature can include a worm gear configured to control rotation of the cam module
Data Source
AI summary
A novel cam mechanism or assembly is provided by the present disclosure. The cam mechanism can have a cylindrical or barrel shape configuration. The cam mechanism includes a first module or body (also referred to as an inner body), a cam module or body encircling said first module, and a guide module or body (also referred to as an outer body) encircling each of the first module and the cam module. The cam mechanism is configured to translate rotary motion or torque of the cam module about a rotational axis (A) into linear displacement of the first module in a parallel manner along said rotational axis (A). The outer body or guide body encircles each of the cam module and the inner body. The outer body can be a stationary or fixed structure, and can be configured to physically isolate the movable components of the cam mechanism (e.g., the cam module and the inner body).