Rotation Shaft Blocking Structure for Controlled Axial Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotation shaft structures face challenges in achieving axial free movement while also needing to limit accidental axial movement.

Innovation Solution

A rotation shaft structure with a blocking assembly and cooperative blocking member that allows translation between positions while preventing unwanted movement through a mechanism involving an outer shell, protrusion, and elastic member, which switches postures to control translation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the rotation shaft is designed to allow free axial movement, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the risk of accidental axial movement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial movement flexibilityVSAvoidaccidental movement prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking assembly is designed to dynamically switch between a blocking state and a non-blocking state. The blocking member can move between positions that either block or allow axial translation of the rotation shaft, enabling the system to adapt its constraints based on operational requirements while maintaining reliability through controlled state transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of axial constraint by transitioning the blocking assembly between different states. When the blocking member is in the blocking position, axial movement is constrained; when moved to the non-blocking position, axial freedom is granted. This parameter change allows the same structure to provide both movement flexibility and accidental movement prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a blocking mechanism is added to prevent accidental axial movement, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccidental movement preventionVSAvoidblocking mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking assembly is integrated with the rotation shaft structure, where the blocking member is positioned on the rotation shaft and the blocking assembly is coupled to the housing. This merging of functions allows the blocking mechanism to be part of the existing rotational system rather than a separate addition, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking member acts as an intermediary element between the rotation shaft and the blocking assembly. It translates the rotational position of the shaft into the blocking or non-blocking state, providing a simple mechanical mediation that prevents accidental axial movement without requiring complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the blocking assembly is always in the blocking position, then the reliability is improved, but the operational flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaft position controlVSAvoidtranslation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking assembly operates in periodic cycles, alternating between blocking and non-blocking states based on the rotational position of the rotation shaft. During certain rotational phases, the blocking member allows axial translation; during other phases, it prevents translation. This periodic action ensures both reliability and operational flexibility are maintained throughout the operational cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enables controlled translation and rotation of the shaft, preventing misoperations by ensuring the shaft translates only when intended, enhancing operational reliability.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member, wherein the outer shell is sleeved on the rotation shaft, and the elastic member is arranged between an insertion part of the rotation shaft inserted into the outer shell and one side of the protrusion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4657479A1Rotation shaft structure, transmission system, operation mechanism and switching device assembly
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP4657479A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4657479A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4657479A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present application relates to a rotation shaft structure, a transmission system, an operation mechanism, and a switching device assembly. The rotation shaft structure includes a rotation shaft, rotatably installed on a housing and being capable of rotating between a first rotation position and a second rotation position, and further configured to be capable of translating between a first translation position and a second translation position in a direction along a rotation axis of the rotation shaft; a blocking assembly, pivotally coupled to the rotation shaft and being capable of switching between a first posture and a second posture with respect to the housing; and a cooperative blocking member, fixed on the housing, when the blocking assembly is in the first posture, the cooperative blocking member is out of a translation path of the rotation shaft from the first translation position to the second translation position, thereby allowing the rotation shaft to translate to the second translation position, when the blocking assembly is in the second posture, the cooperative blocking member is in the translation path of the rotation shaft from the first translation position to the second translation position, thereby blocking the rotation shaft from translating to the second translation position.