Spindle Gear Mechanism With Self-Adjusting Threaded Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spindle gears with changing pitch threads face challenges in adaptability and ease of production, requiring complex adaptations and elastic deformations that can compromise optimal coupling and force transmission.

Innovation Solution

A spindle gear design featuring a threaded component with a freely movable threaded element that automatically adapts to changing thread pitches by aligning with the current pitch, eliminating the need for elastic deformation and allowing for flexible pitch adjustments across the spindle thread, enabling versatile applications with self-locking and smooth movement options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a spindle thread with changing pitch is used to achieve variable speed and force transmission, then the adaptability of the spindle drive is improved, but the complexity of the threaded component increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to changing pitchVSAvoidcomplexity of threaded component
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded component is divided into multiple independent threaded elements (at least two) that can move relative to each other along the spindle thread. Each threaded element can independently adapt to different pitch sections, allowing the system to handle variable pitch without requiring a single complex threaded component designed for all pitch variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The threaded elements are designed to be movable relative to each other along the longitudinal axis of the spindle component. This dynamic configuration allows the threaded elements to automatically adjust their positions to match the changing pitch of the spindle thread, enabling adaptability without fixed complex structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If elastic elements are used to hold threaded segments together in high-speed sections, then the threaded component can adapt to different pitch sections, but the structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to different pitch sectionsVSAvoidease of production
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the fundamental parameter of how adaptation is achieved - instead of using elastic deformation of threaded segments held together by elastic elements, the solution uses movable threaded elements that physically relocate along the spindle thread to match pitch changes. This eliminates the need for elastic elements and complex assembly structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If threaded segments are held together by elastic elements for automatic adaptation, then the spindle drive can handle variable pitch, but the reliability and optimal coupling are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic adaptationVSAvoidreliability of force transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The threaded component is segmented into multiple independent threaded elements that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows each element to maintain optimal coupling with the spindle thread at its specific position, ensuring reliable force transmission without the compromises introduced by elastic elements holding segments together.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The threaded elements automatically position themselves along the spindle thread based on the local pitch requirements. Each threaded element self-adjusts to the optimal position for force transmission at that section, eliminating the need for external elastic elements to enforce adaptation while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3861232B1Spindle gear mechanism
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 IGUS GMBH
  • EP3861232B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~3C
  • EP3861232B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~5D
  • EP3861232B1 patent drawingFigure 6A~6D

AI summary

In a spindle gear mechanism (1) having a spindle component (2) with a spindle thread (21) which has a pitch which alters over a longitudinal axis of the spindle component (2), and having a threaded component (3) which engages in the spindle thread (21), wherein the two components (2; 3) can be displaced relative to one another in relation to the longitudinal axis (1) of the spindle component (2), provision is made, for the purpose of straightforward production capability and suitability for a large number of applications, for the threaded component (3) to have at least one freely movable threaded element (4) which engages in the spindle thread (21) and, during operation, adapts automatically to the pitch of the spindle thread (21).