Rotatable Shaft Locking with Curved Slots for In-Motion Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for locking a rotatable shaft, such as those using friction discs or tooth-based mechanisms, are complex and expensive, and often require complete stoppage of rotation before locking, which is inefficient and impractical.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a base member with curved slots and pins that rotate with the shaft, where an actuator displaces the pins to removably insert them into the slots, allowing for locking without the need to stop the shaft's rotation, utilizing a simpler and more cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction or clutch discs are used to lock the shaft, then the shaft can be stopped and locked, but the system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential locking function from complex friction or clutch disc systems, isolating only the necessary components: a tooth on the shaft, corresponding teeth on the gear, and a simple actuating mechanism. This removes unnecessary complexity while retaining the core locking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex friction or clutch disc systems with a simple, inexpensive tooth-based locking mechanism. The tooth and groove design uses basic mechanical elements that are far less costly than friction or clutch systems, achieving the same locking function at reduced complexity and cost.
2Reliability
If tooth-based locking systems are used, then the shaft can be locked when stopped, but the shaft must be completely stopped before locking
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a cam mechanism that dynamically engages the tooth with the groove during shaft rotation. The cam converts rotational motion into the linear motion needed to push the tooth into the groove, allowing locking to occur without stopping the shaft. This dynamic approach eliminates the productivity loss associated with stopping the shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism is pre-positioned and configured so that during normal rotation, it automatically pushes the tooth into engagement with the groove at the appropriate moment. This preliminary positioning and automatic engagement eliminate the need for separate stopping and locking operations, improving efficiency.
3Reliability
If friction or clutch discs are used, then the shaft can be locked, but the system requires more components and higher cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive friction or clutch disc systems with a simple tooth-based locking mechanism using basic mechanical elements like cams, teeth, and grooves. These components are far less costly to manufacture and assemble, significantly reducing overall system cost while maintaining locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential locking function from complex friction or clutch systems, removing unnecessary components. The resulting simplified system uses minimal parts (tooth, groove, cam mechanism) that are easier and less expensive to manufacture and assemble.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for locking a rotatable shaft may include a base member couplable to the rotatable shaft and rotatable about a rotation axis of the rotatable shaft through a plurality of angular positions, the base member comprises two or more curved slots; two or more pins positioned with respect to the base member such that at least one of the two or more pins is aligned with at least one of the two or more curved slots of the base member for any angular position of the base member; and an actuator to displace at least one of the two or more pins to removably insert at least one of the two or more pins into at least one of the two or more curved slots.