Pivot Locking Mechanism Using Circulating Elements to Reduce Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pivot locking devices for lifting devices, such as those used in motor vehicle lifting platforms, face issues with high mechanical loads, wear, and cost due to the use of toothed elements that require manual alignment and are prone to wear mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A pivot locking device featuring two bearing elements aligned along a common pivot axis, with one bearing element having a perforation and the other a chamber with a circulatory path, where circulatory elements are guided through a blocking region and locked by a catch, allowing for a wear-free and cost-effective mechanism that enables precise angular positioning without relative movement along the pivot axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If toothed elements are used for locking the support arm, then the pivot movement can be arrested, but high mechanical loads and wear occur due to the mechanical processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional toothed element mechanism with a cam-shaped element that utilizes geometric shaping and surface contact instead of interlocking teeth. The cam profile transforms rotational movement into linear displacement of the bearing element, eliminating the need for meshing teeth and reducing mechanical wear through smooth surface contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the locking mechanism by using a cam-shaped element with specific profile characteristics. The cam radius, offset distance, and engagement depth are optimized to achieve reliable locking while minimizing contact pressure and wear on the bearing surfaces.
2Ease of operation
If toothed elements are oriented coaxially to the pivot axis, then the pivot movement can be controlled, but manual supporting is required for exact positioning and the elements are cost-intensive in production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from the traditional toothed engagement mechanism and implements it through the geometric profile of the cam-shaped element. The cam profile inherently guides the bearing element to precise positions during rotation, eliminating the need for manually aligned toothed elements and complex positioning procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam-shaped element automatically performs the positioning function through its geometric design. As the bearing element rotates along the cam profile, the shape itself guides the movement and establishes the locked position without requiring manual intervention for alignment or positioning of multiple toothed elements.
3Reliability
If a mechanical pivot locking device is used, then the support arm can be arrested, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the cam-shaped element for generating the locking action, the bearing element for rotation and engagement, and the support structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall design by assigning specific functions to separate elements rather than using a complex integrated mechanism.
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
This configuration allows for a simple, wear-free, and cost-effective locking mechanism that enables precise angular positioning of support arms, reducing mechanical loads and eliminating the need for manual alignment, while maintaining a flat profile and allowing for rapid and smooth pivoting movements.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of circulatory elements is arranged in the chamber... in a pivot movement of the second bearing element, displaces the circulatory elements within the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a pivot locking device of two bearing elements (102, 103) oriented towards a common axis, in which one or both bearing elements (102, 103) are pivotable about a common pivot axis (22), with a first bearing element (102), which comprises a perforation (104), with a second bearing element (103), which comprises a perforation (106), wherein the first and second bearing elements (102, 103) are oriented in alignment to one another with the perforations (104, 106), with a chamber (124) provided on the first bearing element (102), which chamber comprises a circulatory path for circulatory elements (129) and is open to the second bearing element (103) and, by a connecting surface (118) facing to the chamber (124), is closed on the second bearing element (103), with a plurality of circulatory elements (129) arranged in the chamber (124), with an catch (121) arrangeable on the second bearing element (103), which catch engages into the circulating chamber (124) and is positioned between circulatory elements (129) and, in a pivot movement of the second bearing element (103) to the first bearing element (102), displaces the circulatory elements (129) in the chamber (124) along the circulatory path, and with a locking element (107) arranged on the first bearing element (102), which locking element, in an unlocking position (109), unblocks the circulatory path for the circulatory elements (129) in the chamber (124) and, in a locking position (108) of the locking element (107), blocks a displacement movement of the circulatory elements (129) along the circulatory path of the chamber (124).