Intermediate Shaft Fixing Structure With Coolant Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indexing devices allow coolant liquid to infiltrate into the frame, compromising the lubrication performance due to gaps between the locking screw and female screw holes, which lack a seal mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The indexing device incorporates a fixing mechanism with a cylindrical pressing member having a tapered surface, steel balls, and a screw member to apply axial pressure, allowing for the use of a seal member like an O-ring to prevent coolant infiltration by ensuring the pressing member contacts the frame's inner surface circumferentially, thereby sealing the gap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a locking screw and steel ball mechanism is used to fix the intermediate shaft, then the intermediate shaft can be securely fixed to the frame, but coolant liquid can infiltrate into the frame through gaps between the locking screw and female screw holes
Solution Approach 1:
A seal member (O-ring) is introduced as an intermediary element between the locking screw and the female screw hole. The seal member fills the gap between these components, preventing coolant liquid from infiltrating into the frame while allowing the locking screw to maintain its fixing function. This mediator resolves the contradiction by blocking the harmful infiltration path without compromising the mechanical fixation strength.
2Force
If the locking screw is tightened to apply axial pressing force to the steel ball, then the intermediate shaft is firmly fixed, but gaps remain between the locking screw and female screw holes allowing coolant infiltration
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member serves as a mediator that is compressed between the locking screw and the female screw hole when axial pressing force is applied. This compression causes the seal member to expand radially, filling the gap and creating an effective seal. The intermediary element thus enables the system to simultaneously achieve strong mechanical fixation and effective fluid sealing.
3Reliability
If the intermediate shaft is fixed using a tapered locking screw and steel ball, then reliable fixation is achieved, but the structure lacks a seal mechanism preventing coolant from entering through screw holes
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the existing fixation mechanism by integrating the seal member into the locking screw assembly. The seal member becomes an integral part of the fixation system, combining the mechanical fixation function (locking screw and steel ball) with the sealing function in a single integrated structure. This eliminates the need for a separate seal mechanism while preventing coolant infiltration.
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
This configuration effectively prevents coolant liquid from entering the frame, maintaining the lubrication performance of the lubricating oil and ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
by tightening the locking screw so as to be displaced in the axis line direction and thus applying an axial pressing force to the steel ball, a radial force acts on the inner peripheral surface of the accommodation hole via the steel ball
Data Source
AI summary
An indexing device includes a drive transmission mechanism, a fixing mechanism. The drive transmission mechanism includes an intermediate gear which includes an intermediate shaft being inserted at an end portion into an accommodation hole formed in a frame, and the intermediate shaft includes an accommodating concave portion and a plurality of through-holes. The fixing mechanism includes a cylindrical pressing member, steel balls and a screw member. There is a gap between the pressing member and a bottom surface of the pressing member in a state in which the pressing member is accommodated in the accommodating concave portion and the steel ball accommodated in each through-hole is in contact with a tapered surface and an inner peripheral surface of the accommodation hole.