Rotating Shaft Automatic Locking via Wedge Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotating shaft structures with automatic locking mechanisms in consumer electronics are complex and costly to assemble due to the need for additional holes and locking elements, which complicates the manufacturing process and reduces the service life.
Innovation Solution
A rotating shaft structure with an automatic locking mechanism that incorporates a friction disc, cam member, elastic body, and wedge blocks/slots to provide axial pressure and automatic locking, eliminating the need for external switches by using a friction disc between the main frame and connecting part, and incorporating oil holes for lubrication and a stop block to limit movement angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional automatic locking mechanisms with switches and locking elements are used, then the locking function is achieved, but the assembly complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking element, switch, and limit structure into an integrated cam member that rotates with the shaft. The cam member integrates the fastening part with wedge blocks, the sliding part with wedge slots, and the limit structure with stop blocks, eliminating the need for separate locking elements and switches while maintaining the automatic locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the locking mechanism through wedge block engagement, acts as the limit structure through stop blocks, and incorporates the switch function through the cam profile that actuates the elastic body. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Reliability
If conventional automatic locking mechanisms with multiple components are used, then the locking function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple components into the cam member, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and inventoried. The integrated design simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces assembly steps, directly lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the reliable automatic locking function.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If friction disc is added between main frame and connecting part, then service life is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The friction disc acts as an intermediary element between the main frame and the connecting part, providing a dedicated friction surface that reduces wear on the rotating shaft and supporting structures. This simple additive component extends service life without requiring complex mechanical changes to the overall system architecture.
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 simplifies assembly, reduces manufacturing costs, and significantly extends the service life of the rotating shaft structure by providing reliable automatic locking and lubrication, ensuring smooth operation and durability.
Implementation Method 1
at least an elastic body, wherein the shaft extends from a free end of the axial member to form a connecting segment to be connected with the end enclosure so as to form axial pressure to constrain the elements described above
Implementation Method 2
The outer and inner edges of the adjoining planes between the fastening part and the sliding part are provided with at least a wedge block and at least a wedge slot alternately so as to connect the fastening part and the sliding part together. When the axial member rotates, the inclined plane of the wedge slot of the sliding part moves upward along the inclined plane of the wedge block and thus axially presses the elastic body
Implementation Method 3
a friction disc arranged between the main frame and the connecting part to significantly increase the service life of the rotating shaft structure
Implementation Method 4
a cam member comprising a fastening part and a sliding part... When the axial member rotates reversely, the wedge slots of the sliding part move to the wedge blocks of the fastening part and, under the extending action of the elastic body, the wedge slots are engaged into the wedge blocks so as to form an automatic locking of butting joint
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a rotating shaft structure with automatic locking mechanism, characterized in which a shaft extending axially from an axial member passes through, in sequence, the core hole of the upright frame plane of the main frame, a friction disc, a disc-like connecting part connected with the frame plane, a cam member comprising a fastening part and a sliding part, at least an elastic body, and a connecting segment on the free end of the shaft connected with a end enclosure so as to form axial pressure to constrain the elements described above. The shaft and the main frame are provided with a linking portion and a connecting portion, respectively. The outer and inner edges of the adjoining planes between the fastening part and the sliding part are provided with at least a wedge block and at least a wedge slot alternately so as to connect the fastening part and the sliding part together. Consequently, when the axial member rotates, the inclined plane of the wedge slot of the sliding part moves upward along the inclined plane of the wedge block and thus axially presses the elastic body so as to prompt the contact plane of the sliding part to rotate along the wedge blocks of the fastening part. When the axial member rotates reversely, the wedge slots of the sliding part move to the wedge blocks of the fastening part and, under the extending action of the elastic body, the wedge slots are engaged into the wedge blocks so as to form an automatic locking of butting joint.