Roller Coupling Mechanism for Selective Shaft-Gear Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection and disconnection devices struggle to appropriately switch between states where rotors are integrally rotatable and where they are relatively rotatable, depending on the situation.
Innovation Solution
A connection and disconnection device is designed with an engagement element between two rotation members, and an operation unit that includes an actuator to move the engagement element. This allows the rotation members to be either integrally or relatively rotatable, depending on the operation unit's state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a connection and disconnection device is designed to switch between integral and relative rotation states, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operation unit is segmented into an actuator and an operator, where the actuator provides automated movement and the operator enables manual operation. This segmentation allows the device to adapt to different operational requirements while keeping each component relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation unit is designed with multi-functionality, capable of both automated actuation and manual operation. This universal design allows a single device to serve multiple purposes - automated control when precision is needed and manual control when flexibility is required - thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If an actuator is added to move the engagement element, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operator serves as an intermediary between the actuator and the engagement element. It translates the actuator's movement into the precise motion needed to engage or disengage the rotation members. This intermediary mechanism allows automated operation with minimal complexity by using simple mechanical translation rather than direct actuator-to-engagement-element connection.
3Ease of operation
If the operation unit includes both actuator and operator, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operation unit is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to adapt its operation mode based on requirements. The actuator can engage or disengage from the operator, enabling the system to switch between automated and manual modes. This dynamic design improves ease of operation by providing flexibility while avoiding the permanent complexity of a fully integrated automated system.
Data Source
AI summary
A first interrupting mechanism (210) comprises a roller (281) disposed between a first driven gear (184) and a second shaft (182) and an operating rod (241) that operates the roller (281) between an engagement state in which the first driven gear (184) and the second shaft (182) can be rotated integrally with each other and a non-engagement state in which the first driven gear (184) and the second shaft (182) can be rotated relative to each other. The operating rod (241) can operate the roller (281) via a retainer (282) and abuts against the inner end of a pin (283).