Shaft End Holding Device with Over-Center Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for holding shaft ends in weaving machines are bulky and expensive, with complex mechanisms that are difficult to operate and require additional tools for installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A device with a pivotably mounted lever and a movable bearing element attached to an arm, forming an over-center mechanism with cam-shaped running surfaces and a spring connection, allowing easy operation and secure holding of the shaft end without the need for additional tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bulky and expensive mechanism is used for the movable clamping element, then the shaft end can be held securely, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two independent bearing elements (first and second), each capable of holding the shaft end separately. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability through redundancy while keeping each individual element simple and inexpensive, avoiding the need for a single complex bulky mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single complex movable clamping mechanism, the invention inverts the approach by using two simpler bearing elements where one can be stationary and the other movable. This inversion simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining the secure holding function.
2Reliability
If a complex mechanism is used for the movable bearing element, then the shaft end can be held reliably, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the holding function across two bearing elements, the system allows for simpler operation. The movable bearing element can be independently positioned without complex coordination mechanisms, making installation and removal easier while maintaining reliable retention through the combined action of both bearing elements.
3Reliability
If additional tools are required for installation and removal, then the shaft end can be secured more reliably, but the ease of operation and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be tool-free for installation and removal. The movable bearing element can be manually positioned along the shaft end without requiring additional tools, enabling operators to quickly install or remove shaft ends while maintaining secure holding through the bearing element design.
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 device provides a simple, reliable, and cost-effective solution for holding shaft ends, enabling easy installation and removal without tools, with the over-center mechanism ensuring secure retention and easy transition between holding and release positions.
Implementation Method 1
the arm and the lever are connected by a spring
Implementation Method 2
the profiled or cam-shaped running surfaces of the arm and the lever
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Device for holding a shaft end (5) comprising a first bearing element (6) and a bearing element (7) movable relative thereto that is moveable between a holding position in which the shaft end (5) is held and a release position in which the shaft end (5) is free, whereby the movable bearing element (7) is attached to a pivotably mounted arm (10) that has a running surface (12) that is combined with a running surface (18) of a lever (15) that holds the arm (10) in the holding position. Weaving machine comprising such a device.