Operating Lever Linkage for Self-Centering Without Dead Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating levers with rigid links require separate restoring means or flexible sections to generate a restoring force, leading to wear, play, or dead zones.
Innovation Solution
A link system with at least two movably mounted link parts and restoring means that act on these link parts to transfer them into a zero position, allowing the operating lever to be guided without separate restoring means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid link is used in the operating lever, then the structure is simple and robust, but separate restoring means or flexible sections are required which lead to wear, play, or dead zones
Solution Approach 1:
The link is divided into two separable link parts (first link part and second link part) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the system to generate restoring force through the relative movement of the link parts without requiring separate restoring means or flexible sections, thereby eliminating wear and dead zones while maintaining structural robustness.
Solution Approach 2:
The link parts are designed to be movable relative to each other, transforming the static rigid link into a dynamic structure. The restoring force is generated dynamically through the relative movement of the link parts during operation, eliminating the need for separate restoring means while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If separate restoring means or flexible sections are added to generate restoring force, then the restoring force function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and wear occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The restoring force generation function is merged into the link structure itself by making the link parts movable relative to each other. This eliminates the need for separate restoring means or flexible sections, reducing device complexity while maintaining the restoring force function.
Solution Approach 2:
The link parts serve dual functions: they provide structural support and simultaneously generate the restoring force through their relative movement. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate restoring means, reducing component count and complexity.
3Device complexity
If the link parts are movably mounted to move apart perpendicular to the pivoting plane, then the restoring force is generated without separate restoring means, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the link into two separately manufacturable parts with standardized mounting interfaces, the system achieves the desired functionality while managing manufacturing precision requirements through modular assembly rather than requiring high-precision monolithic manufacturing.
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 link system provides a compact, self-centering mechanism that generates a restoring force dependent on the operating lever's position, reducing wear and eliminating play or dead zones, while allowing for a simple, rigid operating lever design.
Implementation Method 1
restoring means, which act on the at least one link part and transfer the latter into a zero position
Implementation Method 2
restoring means bring the scissor arms into a rest position and thus counteract a deflection of the operating element
Data Source
AI summary
An operating lever (1) comprising corresponding a link system (2) is provided. The link system (2) has at least a first link part (3) and restoring means (5), which act on the at least one link part (3) and transfer the latter into a zero position. The operating lever (1) is guided in the link system (2), and the first link part (3) is movably mounted in such a way that a positional change of the operating level (1) to the link system (2) results in a movement of the at least one link part (3) in the direction of the restoring means (5) acting on the at least one link part (3).