Rotary Locking Mechanism With Axial Shafts for Compact Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotary locking mechanisms are complex, costly, and aesthetically unappealing, limiting their application in products with special shape and appearance requirements, such as robotic hands and humanoid robots, due to their large size and need for external locking devices.
Innovation Solution
A rotary locking device using movable locking shafts with non-regular circular cross-sectional segments that axially move to lock and unlock rotatable bodies, employing axial drive mechanisms and elastic members for precise positioning and rotation, allowing for adjustable angular freedom and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rotary locking mechanisms are used, then locking function is achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into modular components: movable locking shafts with non-regular circular cross-sections that can independently move axially within locking shaft holes, elastic members for driving, and limiting members for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining reliable locking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable locking shafts are nested within the locking shaft holes of the rotatable bodies. The locking shafts move axially within the holes to achieve locking and unlocking, eliminating the need for external locking devices. This nested configuration reduces device complexity and integrates the locking function directly into the rotatable bodies.
2Reliability
If external locking devices are used, then locking is achieved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking shafts and locking shaft holes are integrated within the rotatable bodies, with locking shafts nested inside the holes. This internal configuration eliminates external locking devices, maintaining smooth surfaces and clean lines that satisfy aesthetic requirements while providing reliable locking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is merged with the rotatable bodies themselves. The movable locking shafts are part of the rotatable body structure, and the locking shaft holes are formed directly in the rotatable bodies. This merging eliminates separate external locking devices and integrates locking capability into the design, preserving aesthetic appearance.
3Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then rotation control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism uses simple, segmented components such as cylindrical or polygonal locking shafts and corresponding locking shaft holes, which can be manufactured using standard machining processes. The elastic members and limiting members are also simple components that can be produced cost-effectively, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining rotation control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-regular circular cross-section of the locking shafts (such as polygonal shapes) provides effective anti-rotation capability while being easy to manufacture using common machining methods. This parameter choice balances manufacturing simplicity with functional effectiveness, avoiding complex geometries that would increase production costs.
4Ease of manufacture
If simple locking structures are used, then manufacturing is easier, but locking reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking shafts have non-regular circular cross-sections (such as polygonal shapes) that provide asymmetric geometry for effective anti-rotation locking. This asymmetric shape ensures reliable locking by preventing rotation in the locked position while remaining simple to manufacture using standard machining processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic members utilize elastic deformation (curvature changes) to provide the driving force for axial movement of the locking shafts. This elastic mechanism is simple in structure but reliable in function, as it provides continuous force to move the locking shafts between locked and unlocked positions without complex actuation systems.
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 provides a simple, aesthetically pleasing, and stable locking mechanism with long service life, suitable for products with special shape and size requirements, enabling wide application in industries like robotics and medical instruments, with enhanced locking functionality and ease of part replacement.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member, the elastic member being arranged to push the movable locking shaft to move axially
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a rotary locking device or mechanism that realizes the locking function within connected end portions of two connected rotatable bodies. By axial movement of movable locking shafts, the function of rotating and locking the two connected rotatable bodies at a specified angle range is realized; by setting the shape of non-regular circular cross-sections of the movable locking shafts and locking shaft holes, the function of locking and unlocking the two connected rotatable bodies at different locking angles is realized; and by changing angular positions of rotation axes of two connected ends, degrees of freedom are adjusted or set. The rotary locking device or mechanism of the present disclosure can be applied in different fields, such as industry, transportation, engineering and construction, medical, aerospace, artificial intelligence, and life.