Cam Mechanism with Single CV Lift for Smaller Multi-Action Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cam devices are difficult to miniaturize and simplify due to complex drive mechanisms and the need for larger diameters to accommodate increased stroke and speed requirements, which complicates the integration of action units and increases the overall size of the device.
Innovation Solution
A cam device with a cam surface featuring a non-continuous section and a single CV curve lift region, allowing for reduced pressure angle and miniaturization, combined with a rotary drive device that controls forward and reverse rotation, rotation stop, and speed, enabling flexible operation profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the speed on the output side is increased or a larger stroke is required, then the operation performance is improved, but a larger diameter is required due to the limitation of the pressure angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the cam to rotate in both forward and reverse directions with variable speeds. The cam surface includes a lift region formed of a single CV (constant velocity) curve that allows the cam roller to be abutted during forward rotation, achieving smooth acceleration and deceleration. This dynamic operation mode eliminates the need for large diameter cams while maintaining low pressure angles and high output speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the cam by allowing variable rotation speeds in both forward and reverse directions. The lift region uses a single CV curve with a specific allocation angle range, and the cam can operate at different speeds during forward and reverse rotations. This parameter flexibility enables performance improvement without increasing cam diameter.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional cam structure with continuous closed track is used, then the cam can perform forward step, return step, and stop step, but the cam device size is increased and integration of action units is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cam surface into distinct regions: a lift region formed of a single CV curve and a non-continuous section. This segmentation allows the cam to perform forward step, return step, and stop step functions while maintaining a compact size. The non-continuous section eliminates the need for a closed track, reducing overall device size and facilitating integration of multiple action units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic rotation control with forward and reverse directions to achieve multiple operation steps. By controlling the cam's rotational direction and speed, the system can perform complex sequences (forward step, return step, stop step) without requiring a large continuous closed track, thus reducing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cam plates and rocker arms are used to drive multiple action units, then the required movements can be achieved, but the overall device size is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single cam device that can drive multiple action units simultaneously. The cam surface is configured with multiple lift regions or zones that can actuate different cam rollers and corresponding action units. This multi-functional cam structure eliminates the need for separate cam plates and rocker arms for each action unit, significantly reducing device size while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cam device is provided with a cam, cam roller, rotary drive device, rectilinear guide device, and action unit. A cam profile of the cam has, at one circumferential end, a rotary end at which a cam shaft cannot rotate in a reverse direction by the cam roller; a cam surface which the cam roller can abut from the rotary end to another circumferential end and which comprises a simple CV curve from near the rotary end to the circumferential other end of the cam surface; and a non-continuous section which is formed between the rotary end and the circumferential other end of the cam surface, and which is not in contact with the cam roller.