Spindle-Driven Rescue Tool for Compact High-Force Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rescue tools with hydraulically driven planetary roller mechanisms are complex, heavy, and bulky, making them difficult to manage and maneuver in emergency situations, despite providing sufficient force for actuating implements.
Innovation Solution
A rescue tool with a compact and lightweight design, where the rotation shaft of the drive source is coupled to an axially rotatable spindle via an axial bearing assembly, and a linearly movable drive body converts the spindle's axial rotation to linear translation, allowing for efficient force transmission to the implement drive member, reducing the complexity and size of the tool while maintaining high force actuation capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a hydraulically driven planetary roller mechanism is used to actuate the implement, then sufficient force can be developed, but the tool becomes complex and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex hydraulic planetary roller mechanism with a direct mechanical drive system consisting of a drive shaft, drive body with translating elements, and implement connection. This substitution eliminates hydraulic components while maintaining sufficient actuation force through direct mechanical force transmission from the drive source to the implement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the complex planetary roller mechanism from the drive system, retaining only the essential components needed for force transmission. The simplified system uses a drive body with translating elements that directly convert rotational motion to linear motion, eliminating unnecessary mechanical complexity while preserving the force-generating capability.
2Force
If a hydraulically driven planetary roller mechanism is used to actuate the implement, then sufficient force can be developed, but the tool becomes bulky and takes up large space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the space-consuming hydraulic planetary roller mechanism with a compact mechanical drive system. The drive body with translating elements occupies significantly less volume while delivering equivalent actuation force, thereby reducing the overall tool size and improving portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive body and translating elements are arranged in a nested configuration where the translating elements are positioned within or alongside the drive shaft assembly. This nesting approach minimizes the external dimensions of the drive system while maintaining the necessary internal clearances and force transmission paths.
3Force
If a hydraulically driven planetary roller mechanism is used to actuate the implement, then sufficient force can be developed, but the tool becomes difficult to manage and maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the heavy hydraulic system with a lighter mechanical drive system that is easier to handle and maneuver. The reduced weight and simplified structure improve the tool's manageability while the direct mechanical connection ensures reliable force transmission to the implement during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive system is segmented into distinct functional components (drive shaft, drive body, translating elements, implement connection) that can be independently optimized for weight and maneuverability. This segmentation allows for a more compact overall design that is easier to handle while maintaining sufficient actuation force through the coordinated operation of the segmented components.
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 results in a more manageable and compact rescue tool that can apply high forces effectively, enhancing its usability in emergency situations without compromising performance, by using a direct or indirect force-transmitting coupling and a planetary roller mechanism for efficient translation, and an axial bearing assembly for absorbing reaction forces.
Implementation Method 1
a linearly movable drive body is coupled for force transmission to the spindle and is configured and suitable for converting an axial rotation of the spindle to a linear translation of the drive body
Implementation Method 2
the spindle is coupled rotatably to the housing by means of an axial bearing assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A rescue tool (10) comprises a drive system which is provided inside a housing and which is configured and suitable for actuating a linear displacement of an implement drive member. The drive system is connected for axial rotation to a rotation shaft of an energizable drive source (22), wherein the rotation shaft of the energizable drive source (22) is coupled for force transmission to an axially rotatable spindle (30). The spindle (30) is coupled rotatably to the housing (15) by means of an axial bearing assembly (25, 26) and the drive body (40) is coupled for force transmission to the spindle (30) and to the implement drive member. The drive body is configured and suitable for converting an axial rotation of the spindle (30) to a linear translation of its own.