Speed Reducer Brake Block Structure for Automatic Reverse Braking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional speed reducers in electromechanical equipment face issues such as complex structures, large volumes, low torque density, and low load capacity, along with braking mechanisms that have complex structures, many parts, small braking torques, high friction, and low reliability.

Innovation Solution

A speed reducer design featuring an inner and outer gear system with an eccentric wheel and a brake block mechanism, where an elastic member moves the brake block between a braking and release position, allowing automatic reverse braking with a simple structure, small volume, and high reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional braking measures (electromagnetic brake or worm gear pair) are used, then reverse braking function is achieved, but structure becomes complex with many parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking reliabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The brake block is integrated with the eccentric wheel as a unified component, eliminating the need for separate braking mechanisms. The brake block directly abuts against the outer gear to provide braking force, merging the braking function into the existing speed reducer structure rather than adding independent braking components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The brake block serves multiple functions: it provides reverse braking by abutting against the outer gear, acts as a structural component of the eccentric wheel assembly, and works with the elastic member to provide automatic engagement and disengagement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized parts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional braking measures are used, then reverse braking is achieved, but volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking reliabilityVSAvoidspeed reducer volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The brake block is nested within the eccentric wheel structure, with the brake block positioned radially outward from the eccentric wheel's rotation axis. The elastic member is nested between the brake block and the eccentric wheel, creating a compact layered arrangement that minimizes overall volume while maintaining braking functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The braking mechanism utilizes the radial dimension of the eccentric wheel by positioning the brake block to abut against the outer gear in the radial direction. This radial arrangement allows braking without requiring additional axial or tangential space, keeping the speed reducer compact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If conventional braking measures are used, then reverse braking is achieved, but braking torque becomes small

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking reliabilityVSAvoidbraking torque
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member's elastic force, which could be considered a simple restoring force, is converted into a beneficial braking force. When the drive member stops rotating, the elastic member pushes the brake block against the outer gear, transforming the elastic restoration into effective braking torque that prevents reverse rotation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The braking mechanism is self-actuating through the elastic member that automatically pushes the brake block against the outer gear when rotation stops. The system uses its own operational state (rotation vs. stationary) to control braking engagement without requiring external control mechanisms, ensuring reliable braking torque generation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If conventional braking measures are used, then reverse braking is achieved, but friction consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking reliabilityVSAvoidfriction consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The brake block dynamically adjusts its position relative to the outer gear based on the rotational state. During rotation, the brake block is positioned away from the outer gear minimizing friction. When rotation stops, the elastic member automatically positions the brake block against the outer gear for braking. This dynamic positioning reduces unnecessary friction during operation while maintaining braking effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 design achieves automatic reverse braking with large braking torque, low friction, low cost, and high reliability, while reducing the number of parts and overall size.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member coupled to the eccentric wheel and the brake block, and configured to press the brake block towards the braking position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the brake block abuts against the outer gear and the brake block is separated from the outer gear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20250230848A1Speed reducer, joint module and robotic arm
Publication Date: 2025.07.17 HANGZHOU TIANMING TECH CO LTD
  • US20250230848A1 patent drawing
  • US20250230848A1 patent drawing
  • US20250230848A1 patent drawing

AI summary

In some aspects, a speed reducer includes a housing; an inner gear supported in the housing and having an inner gear hole; an outer gear arranged in the inner gear hole, meshing with the inner gear, and having an outer gear hole; an eccentric wheel arranged in the outer gear hole and configured to drive the outer gear to revolve around a rotation axis of the eccentric wheel; a brake block arranged on the eccentric wheel to rotate together with the eccentric wheel and movable relative to the eccentric wheel between a braking position and a release position; an elastic member coupled to the eccentric wheel and the brake block and configured to press the brake block towards the braking position; a limit disc arranged in the housing and engaged with the housing and the outer gear; and a drive member coupled to the eccentric wheel.