Rotary Connector Stopper Structure for Stable Neutral Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary connector devices face issues with unstable stopper behavior due to individual product differences and deterioration over time, leading to improper rotation angle stabilization and unreliable determination of the neutral rotation position, as well as potential cable disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A rotary connector device with a stopper structure comprising a movable member, movement conversion portion, and stopper, which converts relative rotation into axial movement to stabilize the stopper operation and ensure precise rotation angle restriction, and includes an indicator for reliable neutral rotation position determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stopper member is used to restrict rotation angle by engagement with a rotation restricting portion, then rotation angle can be restricted, but the stopper behavior becomes unstable due to individual product differences and deterioration over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of movement direction from axial (parallel to rotation axis) to radial (perpendicular to rotation axis). The movable member moves radially outward from the rotation axis to engage the stopper, providing stable rotation restriction that is not affected by individual product differences or deterioration over time.
2Measurement precision
If a viewing window is provided to determine neutral rotation position, then neutral position can be visually confirmed, but reliable determination becomes difficult when the rotary member has rotated multiple times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the movable member's radial position provides continuous information about the rotation angle. When the movable member engages the stopper, it provides tactile and visual feedback that the maximum rotation angle has been reached, enabling reliable determination of rotation position even after multiple rotations.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable member acts as an intermediary between the rotation mechanism and the stopper. It translates rotational movement into radial movement and provides a clear, unambiguous indication of the rotation angle limit, solving the problem of unreliable position determination.
3Reliability
If the stopper member is moved by force from the cable, then rotation can be restricted, but cable disconnection risk increases when cable state differs from assumed state
Solution Approach 1:
The movable member serves as an intermediary that decouples the cable from direct interaction with the stopper. The cable moves the movable member radially, which then engages the stopper, isolating the cable from the stopper engagement process and eliminating the risk of cable disconnection due to cable state variations.
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
The device effectively stabilizes rotation angles within a predetermined range, reduces cable disconnection risk, and allows accurate determination of the neutral rotation position through a simplified structure.
Implementation Method 1
The movement conversion portion is configured to convert the relative rotation of the first case and the second case into the movement of the movable member in the axial direction with respect to the first case and the second case
Data Source
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AI summary
A rotary connector device (1) comprises a first case (10), a second case (20), and a stopper structure (70). The stopper structure (70) includes a movable member (71), a movement conversion portion (72), and a stopper (73). The movable member (71) is rotatable about a rotation axis (A1) with respect to the first case (10) along with the second case (20) and movable in an axial direction (D1) defined along a rotation axis (A1) with respect to the first case (10) and the second case (20). The movement conversion portion (72) converts a relative rotation of the first case (10) and the second case (20) into a movement of the movable member (71) in the axial direction (D1) with respect to the first case (10) and the second case (20). The stopper (73) is provided on at least one of the first case (10) and the second case (20). The stopper (73) is contactable with the movable member (71).