Rotatable Shaft Locking With Curved Slots for Locking Without Full Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for locking a rotatable shaft, such as clutch-based and tooth-based systems, are complex, expensive, and often require complete stoppage of rotation before locking, which is inefficient and impractical.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a base member with curved slots and pins that can be actuated to engage with each other, allowing for the locking of a rotatable shaft without the need for complete rotation stoppage, featuring a simpler design with fewer moving components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction or clutch discs are used to lock the shaft, then the shaft can be stopped and locked, but the system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential locking function from complex clutch mechanisms by using a simple pin-slot engagement system. The pin with curved surface engages with a slot in the locking member, providing shaft locking without requiring complex friction discs or clutch assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the locking components, specifically using a pin with a curved surface that matches the curvature of the slot. This geometric parameter change enables the pin to engage the slot at various angular positions of the shaft, providing locking capability without complex mechanisms.
2Reliability
If tooth-based locking systems are used, then the shaft can be locked, but complete rotation stoppage is required before engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the locking system dynamic by allowing the pin to engage the curved slot at multiple angular positions during shaft rotation. The curved geometry of the pin and slot enables engagement without requiring the shaft to come to a complete stop, improving operational convenience while maintaining locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved surface of the pin is designed in advance to match the curvature of the slot, allowing the pin to naturally guide itself into the slot during rotation. This preliminary geometric design enables automatic engagement without requiring complete shaft stoppage or complex alignment procedures.
3Reliability
If traditional locking systems are used, then shaft locking is achieved, but the system is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive clutch discs and complex tooth-based locking mechanisms with simple, inexpensive components: a pin with a curved surface and a corresponding slot. These simple geometric features can be manufactured at low cost using standard machining processes, significantly reducing overall system cost while maintaining locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the locking function into the existing shaft and locking member structure by incorporating curved slots and pins as integral or attached components. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate complex locking mechanisms, reducing both manufacturing cost and system complexity while maintaining reliable shaft locking capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for locking a rotatable shaft may include a base member couplable to the rotatable shaft and rotatable about a rotation axis of the rotatable shaft through a plurality of angular positions, the base member comprises two or more curved slots; two or more pins positioned with respect to the base member such that at least one of the two or more pins is aligned with at least one of the two or more curved slots of the base member for any angular position of the base member; and an actuator to displace at least one of the two or more pins to removably insert at least one of the two or more pins into at least one of the two or more curved slots.