Reciprocating Device Locking Mechanism for Wear Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking mechanisms for reciprocating devices that simultaneously rotate and move forward or backward, such as fuel lid opening and closing apparatuses, face difficulties in engaging properly due to low dimensional accuracy or wear, leading to ineffective restriction of forward-backward movement.
Innovation Solution
A reciprocating device with a forward-backward position control mechanism and a restricting member that engages with a reciprocating component-side member to reliably restrict movement, using a rotatable fitting structure that ensures engagement even with low accuracy or worn parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism uses a protrusion on the push rod that rotates and moves together with the push rod, then the locking mechanism can restrict forward-backward movement, but the locking member has difficulty engaging properly with the protrusion when dimensional accuracy is low or wear occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the locking function from the reciprocating component by introducing a独立的 locking mechanism with a locking member that engages with a dedicated locking surface on the guide rail, rather than using a protrusion on the push rod itself. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to operate independently of the push rod's dimensional accuracy and wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail serves as an intermediary element between the push rod and the locking member. The locking member engages with the locking surface on the guide rail, which is a stationary component, rather than directly with the moving push rod. This intermediary structure provides a stable engagement surface that is not affected by the push rod's movement, rotation, or wear.
2Reliability
If the locking member engages with a protrusion on the push rod, then the forward-backward movement can be restricted, but the engagement becomes ineffective when the push rod or locking member is worn due to age deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented from the reciprocating component, with the locking member engaging with a stationary locking surface on the guide rail. This separation ensures that the locking mechanism's effectiveness is not degraded by wear of the moving push rod or locking member, as the engagement occurs with a stationary component that does not experience the same wear patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention provides a backup locking mechanism that engages with the stationary guide rail, which serves as a cushion against the degradation of the primary push rod-based locking. Even when the push rod or its protrusion becomes worn, the locking member can still engage with the locking surface on the guide rail to maintain the locking function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a reciprocating component simultaneously rotates and moves forward or backward, then the component can perform complex operations, but the locking mechanism becomes difficult to implement reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the locking function from the complex reciprocating and rotating motions by using a stationary guide rail with a locking surface. The locking member engages with this stationary surface, which remains fixed regardless of the push rod's rotation or reciprocation, thereby maintaining reliable locking despite the component's versatile motion capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail is pre-configured with a locking surface at the appropriate position before the reciprocating component begins its motion. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the locking member needs to engage, the locking surface is already in the correct position and orientation, regardless of the complex motions the push rod will undergo.
Data Source
AI summary
A reciprocating device includes; a reciprocating component, a forward-backward position control mechanism that controls the reciprocating component in a forward-backward movement, and a restricting member that puts the reciprocating component in a restricted state in which the forward-backward movement is restricted. The reciprocating component is provided on the casing such that the reciprocating component moves forward or backward while rotating relative to the casing. The forward-backward position control mechanism includes; a casing-side member, and a reciprocating component-side member fitted with the reciprocating component such that the reciprocating component is rotatable relative to the reciprocating component-side member. The restricting member is movable between a restriction position where the reciprocating component is in the restricted state and a restriction-lift position where the restricted state is cleared. The restricting member located at the restriction position engages with the reciprocating component-side member to put the reciprocating component in the restricted state.