Pivot Locking Mechanism Using Circulating Elements for Wear-Free Support Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical support arm locking devices for vehicle lifting platforms face high mechanical loads, wear, and expense due to coaxially aligned toothed elements, requiring manual alignment and precise positioning, which complicates the locking mechanism and increases production costs.
Innovation Solution
A swivel locking device with two bearing elements aligned to a common pivot axis, featuring a chamber with circulating elements and a driver that allows for fine-tuned locking without axial movement, enabling a wear-free and cost-effective design that maintains structural volume consistency during locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If toothed elements are aligned coaxially with the pivot axis for locking, then the locking device can maintain structural stability, but high mechanical loads and wear occur between the gear elements requiring manual alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent bearing elements (first and second bearing elements) that can be manufactured separately with standard tolerances. Each bearing element contains its own opening, eliminating the need for complex coaxial alignment between intermeshing gear elements. The bearing elements are connected through a chamber with orbital elements rather than direct gear meshing.
Solution Approach 2:
Orbital elements (balls or rollers) are introduced as intermediary components between the two bearing elements. These orbital elements transmit forces and enable relative pivoting movement without requiring direct contact between the bearing element openings. The driver acts as another intermediary to displace the orbital elements for locking and unlocking operations.
2Ease of operation
If manual assistance is used to align gear elements precisely, then locking can be achieved, but the complexity and cost of the locking device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing elements are designed with self-aligning capabilities through their geometric configuration and the chamber structure. The openings in both bearing elements are positioned to automatically align when the support arm is in the correct position, eliminating the need for manual alignment procedures. The orbital elements naturally find their position within the chamber under gravity and operational forces.
3Force
If gear elements are subjected to high mechanical loads, then the locking force is sufficient, but wear increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The direct mechanical gear meshing system is replaced with a bearing element system that uses orbital elements (balls or rollers) for force transmission. This substitution eliminates the sliding and impact loads that cause wear in traditional gear elements. The bearing elements with orbital elements provide smooth rolling contact that significantly reduces wear while maintaining sufficient locking force through the driver mechanism.
4Ease of operation
If axial displacement movement is used to release pivoting movement, then the locking mechanism can function, but the overall volume of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and unlocking mechanism is made dynamic through the driver that can displace orbital elements within the confined chamber space. Instead of requiring axial displacement of entire bearing elements, the driver dynamically repositions the smaller orbital elements to enable or restrict pivoting movement. This dynamic mechanism achieves the same functional result with significantly reduced volume requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pivot locking device of two bearing elements (102, 103) aligned along a common axis, wherein one or both bearing elements (102, 103) can be pivoted about a common pivot axis (22), comprising a first bearing element (102), which has a through-hole (104), a second bearing element (103), which has a through-hole (106), the through-holes (104, 106) of the first and second bearing elements (102, 103) being aligned with each other, a chamber (124), which is provided on the first bearing element (102) and which has a circulation track for circulating elements (129) and is open toward the second bearing element (103) and is closed by a connection surface (118) on the second bearing element (103), which connection surface faces the chamber (124), a plurality of circulating elements (129) arranged in the chamber (124), a driver element (121), which can be arranged on the second bearing element (103) and engages into the circumferentially extending chamber (124) and is positioned between circulating elements (129) and translates the circulating elements (129) in the chamber (124) along the circulation track when the second bearing element (103) is pivoted relative to the first bearing element (102), and a locking element (107), which is arranged on the first bearing element (102) and which releases the circulation track for the circulating elements (129) in the chamber (124) in a release position (109) and blocks a translation movement of the circulating elements (129) along the circulation path of the chamber (124) in a locking position (108) of the locking element (107).