Self-locking Braking Device for Rotary Shafts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing self-locking braking devices for rotary shafts, particularly in linear actuators, face inefficiencies under high force and inertial conditions due to elastomeric material deformation, leading to vibrations, inaccurate positioning, and rapid wear, failing to provide sufficient locking force and precise control for heavy loads.

Innovation Solution

A self-locking braking device featuring a rigid braking disk with friction surfaces, supported by a floating condition between two clutch members, and a pneumatic cylinder-actuated biasing spring system, which generates high clamping forces and compensates for load unbalance, incorporating a flywheel effect and damping system for controlled movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an elastomeric braking member is used, then the device can provide self-locking capability, but it undergoes considerable torsional deformation under severe working conditions causing vibrations and hunting of the shaft

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveself-locking capabilityVSAvoidtorsional deformation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from elastomeric to rigid, transforming the braking member's physical properties to eliminate torsional deformation while maintaining self-locking capability through the rigid structure's resistance to deformation under load

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite structure combining a rigid braking member with friction materials on its surfaces, creating a composite component that provides both structural rigidity to prevent deformation and sufficient friction for reliable self-locking under severe working conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Force

If an elastomeric braking member is used, then the device can absorb shock, but it undergoes rapid wear and is unable to provide sufficiently high locking force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking forceVSAvoidwear resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite structure combining a rigid braking member with friction materials on its surfaces, creating a composite component that provides both structural rigidity to prevent torsional deformation and sufficient friction for reliable self-locking under severe working conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid braking disk is used, then torsional deformation and vibrations are eliminated, but the device requires high clamping forces which increase stress on components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorsional deformation stabilityVSAvoidclamping force stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the braking member into a rigid disk structure with separate friction surfaces, allowing the rigid structure to resist deformation while the friction surfaces provide the necessary clamping force distribution to reduce stress concentration on individual components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 effectively prevents vibrations, ensures precise positioning and high clamping forces, reduces wear, and maintains loads firmly in place, even under severe conditions, while minimizing energy consumption and maintaining accurate control during movement.

Implementation Method 1

biasing spring means between said support element for the second clutch member and the support body for the drive shaft, said biasing spring means being shaped and arranged to lock the braking member and keep it locked between said clutch members

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the braking member being interposed between a first clutch member secured to the support body, and a second clutch member carried by an axially movable support element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

the support element of the second clutch member being connected to the piston of a pneumatic cylinder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatics:

Data Source

PatentUS7836813B2Self-locking braking device for rotary shafts, and relevant applications

Publication Date: 2010.11.23 UNIVER

AI summary

A self-locking braking device, for rotary shafts connectable to external loads, comprises braking means which can be operated to lock, respectively to release the rotation of a drive shaft; the braking means consist of a rigid braking disk, rotating with the drive shaft, and slidingly supported in an axial direction between two clutch members, one of which is secured to a support body for the drive shaft, while the other clutch member is supported by a plate which is elastically biased against the braking disk and operatively connected to a pneumatic cylinder for releasing the brake.