Ring Clamping Element With Inclined Control Surface in Tight Axial Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine elements, such as adjusting nuts and threaded rings, face challenges in applying high clamping or adjustment forces in extremely small axial spaces while maintaining structural integrity and efficiency, particularly in applications like clamping sets, guide bushes, and radial plain bearings.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an inclined control surface in the adjustment device, which follows the contact surface when actuated, allows for a lower axial feed force and increased friction over a larger surface area, enabling secure positioning of ring components despite cramped installation conditions, and the use of conically designed head parts for improved engagement with actuating tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional adjusting devices with axial force application are used, then high clamping forces can be achieved, but the axial installation space required becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from pure axial force application to inclined force application, introducing a radial dimension to the force vector. The inclined control surface and contact surface are arranged at an angle (typically 30-60 degrees) to the axial direction, allowing the adjusting bolt to apply force both axially and radially simultaneously. This dimensional change enables compact axial packaging while maintaining effective clamping force through the inclined mechanical advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the force application from 0 degrees (purely axial) to an inclined angle (30-60 degrees). This parameter change in the force vector direction, combined with the corresponding inclined surface geometry, transforms the mechanical interaction to achieve high clamping forces in reduced axial space by utilizing both axial and radial force components.
2Reliability
If the contact surface area between the adjusting device and ring component is increased, then friction and positioning accuracy improve, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the contact interface into two distinct functional surfaces: the inclined control surface on the adjusting device and the corresponding inclined contact surface on the ring component. This segmentation allows each surface to be optimized independently for its specific function (force application vs. force reception), simplifying manufacturing while ensuring proper fit and positioning accuracy through the defined geometric relationship between the segmented surfaces.
3Force
If steel materials are used for high force transmission, then clamping force capability improves, but the weight and cost of the machine element increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies steel material selectively only to critical high-stress components (adjusting bolt, inclined control surface, and contact surface areas) where high force transmission is required, while other non-critical parts of the machine element can use lighter materials. This local quality approach ensures sufficient force transmission capability at the interface while reducing overall weight and cost compared to using steel throughout the entire assembly.
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 solution enables the miniaturization of adjustment bolts, effective adjustment of ring components in tight spaces, and provides a secure, cost-effective, and modular machine element design suitable for various applications, including clamping sets, guide bushes, and radial plain bearings, with enhanced engagement capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
increased friction over a larger surface area, enabling secure positioning of ring components
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a machine element, comprising individual ring components (10, 12), which can be fastened to third components, such as axles, shafts, or hubs, of which at least one ring component can be actuated toward at least one further ring component in an advancing motion by means of an adjusting device (18) as viewed in an axial direction (Y), wherein an angled force application to at least one of the ring components (10) in a tilted direction (24) that deviates from the axial advancing direction (Y) occurs by means of the adjusting device (18) for the advancing motion, and wherein the ring component that is exposed to the angled force application follows the tilted direction by means of at least part of a contact surface (30) for the contact with the adjusting device (18). Said machine element is characterized in that, in a thread-free segment of the adjusting device (18), the adjusting device has a titled control surface (32) in such a way that the adjusting device follows the contact surface (30) with the tilted direction (24) thereof when the adjusting device (18) is actuated.