Operating Device Single Motor Holding and Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional operating devices require two driving sources to automatically return and restrict the operating lever, leading to increased manufacturing costs and weight.
Innovation Solution
An operating device that uses a single driving source to automatically return and restrict the operating lever through a mechanism involving a motor, driving mechanism, holding member, and locking member, where the driving mechanism moves the holding and locking members at different timings using a rack-and-pinion system and cam surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two driving sources are provided to drive the holding mechanism and locking mechanism, then the operating lever can be automatically returned and restricted, but the manufacturing cost and weight of the operating device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate driving sources into a single driving source that sequentially drives both the holding mechanism and the locking mechanism. The single driving source first drives the holding member to release the operating lever, then drives the locking member to restrict the operating lever, thereby reducing weight while maintaining the automatic return and restriction functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by sequencing the operation of different mechanisms in distinct time phases. The holding mechanism operates in a first time phase to return the operating lever, while the locking mechanism operates in a second time phase to restrict the operating lever. This temporal separation allows a single driving source to effectively control multiple functions.
2Reliability
If two driving sources are provided to drive the holding mechanism and locking mechanism, then the operating lever can be automatically returned and restricted, but the manufacturing cost of the operating device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two driving sources into one, directly reducing the number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and tested. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs while preserving the dual functionality of automatic return and restriction through sequential operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single driving source is designed to perform multiple functions by sequentially driving different mechanisms. It first acts as the driving force for the holding mechanism, then serves as the driving force for the locking mechanism, thereby achieving multi-functionality with a single component and reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
3Weight of stationary object
If a single driving source is used to drive both holding and locking mechanisms, then manufacturing cost and weight are reduced, but the mechanisms must be driven at different timings requiring complex coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves coordination complexity by implementing periodic action with clear temporal phases. The holding mechanism operates during a first time phase when the driving source provides force in one direction, while the locking mechanism operates during a second time phase when the driving source provides force in the opposite direction. This structured timing sequence simplifies the control logic and reduces coordination complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by ensuring the holding mechanism completes its function of returning the operating lever before the locking mechanism activates. This sequential arrangement pre-establishes the operational sequence, eliminating the need for complex real-time coordination and reducing overall device complexity.
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 automatic return and restriction of the operating lever using a single driving source, reducing the dynamic force required and minimizing noise, while allowing for separate optimization of the holding and return mechanisms for improved design and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a motor (7) serving as a driving source
Implementation Method 2
a driving mechanism (8) moving the holding member (5) and the locking member (9) at different timings
Implementation Method 3
driving mechanism (8) moving the holding member (5) and the locking member (9) at different timings using a rack-and-pinion system and cam surfaces
Data Source
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AI summary
An operating device according to one embodiment includes an operating lever to be tilted by a user, a holding member configured to hold the operating lever, a locking member configured to restrict the tilt of the operating lever, a driving source, a hold driving mechanism, driven by the driving source, and configured to move the holding member between a hold position where the operating lever is held at a tilted position, and a return position where the operating lever returns to a predetermined position from the tilted position, and a lock driving mechanism, driven by the driving source, and configured to move the locking member between a lock position where the tilt of the operating lever is restricted, and a release position where restricting the tilt of the operating lever is released, wherein the hold driving mechanism and the lock driving mechanism are respectively driven by the driving source at different timings.