Rotary Encoder Wedge Cam Clamping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary encoders require a large amount of radial space for actuation due to the axial distance locking mechanism, which is inefficient and prone to misadjustment during transport.
Innovation Solution
A rotary encoder design featuring a wedge-shaped element and cam mechanism that allows for secure clamping and precise adjustment of the axial distance between the detector arrangement and code disk, enabling compact space usage and maintaining precise alignment during transport and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bow-shaped element with radial longitudinal displacement is used to lock axial distance, then the axial distance can be locked, but a large amount of radial space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from radial displacement (bow-shaped element) to axial displacement (cam mechanism) for achieving the locking function. The cam mechanism moves axially along the shaft to compress the wedge-shaped element, thereby locking the axial distance between code disk and detector arrangement, eliminating the need for radial space expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a bow-shaped element that expands radially to lock the axial distance, the invention inverts the approach by using an axially moving cam mechanism that compresses a wedge-shaped element radially inward to achieve the same locking effect, thus solving the space contradiction.
2Ease of operation
If the axial distance is not locked, then the device is easy to adjust, but misadjustment occurs during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping ring can be rotated to different positions: when the cam mechanism is in the released position, the wedge-shaped element is not compressed, allowing axial adjustment; when rotated to the engaged position, the cam compresses the wedge-shaped element to lock the axial distance, preventing misadjustment during transport. This dynamic switching between adjustable and locked states resolves the contradiction.
3Ease of operation
If a bearing is used to support rotation, then rotation is smooth, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft itself serves as the bearing surface through its cylindrical geometry and friction fit with the wedge-shaped element. The wedge-shaped element, when compressed by the cam, creates frictional contact with the shaft surface that provides both support and smooth rotation without requiring separate bearing components, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining rotational performance.
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 solution allows for a compact, space-efficient design that maintains precise axial distance and centering, ensuring reliable operation and easy installation while preventing misadjustment during transport and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping ring (12) with at least one cam (12.2)... By rotating the clamping ring (12) relative to the housing part (11.1), a force with a radial directional component oriented towards the axis can be introduced via the at least one cam (12.2) onto the at least one wedge-shaped element (11.12)
Implementation Method 2
a housing part (11.1) with at least one wedge-shaped element (11.12)... the surfaces of the wedge-shaped elements (11.12) facing the shaft (21) being configured in a concavely curved manner... the shaft (21) can be clamped on the housing part (11.1) by means of a friction fit
Implementation Method 3
When a temporally changing electric excitation field is applied to the excitation coils, signals dependent on the angular position are generated in the receiver coils during the relative rotation between rotor and stator
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
The invention relates to a rotary encoder comprising a first component group (10) and a second component group (20), wherein, in a measuring operation, the two component groups (10, 20) are rotatably arranged relative to each other. The first component group (10) comprises a detector arrangement (13), a housing part (11.1) with at least one wedge-shaped element (11.12), and a clamping ring (12) with at least one cam (12.1). The second component group (20) comprises a code disk (23) and a shaft (21). The housing part (11.1) is arranged radially outside the shaft (21) and can be clamped to the housing part (11.1) by means of a rotational movement of the clamping ring (12) relative to the housing part (11.1), via which at least one cam (12.1) can introduce a force with a radial directional component oriented towards the axis (A) onto the at least one wedge-shaped element (11.12), so that the shaft (21) can be clamped to the housing part (11.1) outside of the measuring operation.