Ship Command Issuer Braking Unit with Integrated Spring Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing command issuers for ship propulsion systems require complex and costly mechanisms for latching and braking, often involving multiple components that are prone to wear and backlash, leading to inefficient and imprecise control.
Innovation Solution
A compact braking/latching unit with an outer and inner rotor, where the inner rotor has radially arranged spring arms with braking and latching means, providing uniform braking and latching in both directions without additional components, and utilizing pressure springs for consistent friction and stability, constructed as a single-part component for economical manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring-loaded balls or rollers with counter-bores or grooves are used for latching, then latching function is achieved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the latching ball, spring element, and guiding features into a single integrated component. The latching ball is formed as one piece with the spring预tensioning element and the guiding geometry for engagement with latching recesses, eliminating the need for separate spring-loaded ball mechanisms and counter-bores.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching ball serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the latching action through engagement with recesses, acts as a spring element for pre-tensioning, and incorporates guiding features for precise positioning. This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of components required in the system.
2Reliability
If band brakes or axially acting braking elements are used, then braking function is achieved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The braking function is integrated directly into the latching ball component. The friction surface is formed on the latching ball itself, allowing it to act as both a latching element and a braking element. This eliminates the need for separate band brakes or axially acting braking elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching ball is designed to perform both latching and braking functions through its dual geometry: the spherical portion engages with latching recesses for positioning, while the friction surface provides braking action. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall mechanism.
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for latching and braking, then individual functions are achieved, but backlash occurs and actuation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the latching ball, spring element, and braking surface into a single monolithic component, the patent eliminates interfaces between separate parts. This eliminates backlash that would occur at the interfaces of assembled components and ensures precise actuation through the inherent precision of the single-piece construction.
4Reliability
If multiple small individual parts are assembled, then latching and braking functions are achieved, but assembly complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching ball is manufactured as a single integrated component containing all necessary features (latching geometry, spring element, braking surface). This eliminates the need to assemble multiple small parts, reducing assembly complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining the required latching and braking functions.
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 achieves stable and precise control with reduced component complexity, uniform braking in both directions, and low breakaway moment, while maintaining ergonomic operation and space efficiency, and allows for contactless position detection using a sensor magnet.
Implementation Method 1
at least three spring arms 3, 3' and 3'' which are arranged radially in the circumferential direction, are connected at one side to said inner rotor and may each be pressed into a recess
Implementation Method 2
The pre-tension is selected such that via the braking means 4 and 4' a friction moment is generated which counteracts a rotational movement of the inner rotor 2 against the outer rotor 1
Data Source
AI summary
A braking-stopping unit for the defined stopping and braking of a manually operable command issuer for ship's drives includes an external rotor with a circular opening forming a bearing ring and an inner rotor arranged in the opening, which are arranged in a rotationally movable manner relative to each other. One of the two rotor elements is statically fixed in its position and the other rotor element is designed either with a manually operable actuator or constructed so as to be connectable to such an actuator. The inner rotor includes at least three spring arms which are radially arranged in the circumferential direction, wherein said spring arms can be pushed into a respective recess arranged in the outer surface of the inner rotor. The spring arms act in each case radially non-positively on the running surface of the bearing ring via the braking and stopping means.