Threaded Coupling Assembly With Friction Brake for Stable Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coupling devices lack a simplified structure and efficient method for assembly, particularly in applications requiring precise adjustment of distance between components under torque, often leading to undesired changes due to frictional forces.

Innovation Solution

A coupling device with a first braking device providing frictional braking torque, allowing for sensitive adjustment of distance between coupling parts through rotational movement of the coupling rod, featuring a brake pad and brake plate arrangement with a spring mechanism for adjustable normal force, ensuring stable positioning and reduced manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a toothed disc arrangement is used for torque transmission, then torque can be transmitted between components, but the structure becomes complex and assembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmissionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the toothed disc mechanical engagement system with a friction-based braking system. Instead of using interlocking teeth to transmit torque, the invention uses a brake pad pressing against a brake disc to create frictional torque transmission. This substitution simplifies the structure by eliminating the complex toothed disc arrangement while still achieving the required torque transmission function through friction forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the toothed disc component from the coupling device structure. By taking out the unnecessary toothed engagement mechanism and replacing it with a simpler friction-based braking system, the invention reduces structural complexity and assembly difficulty while maintaining the essential torque transmission capability through the brake pad and brake disc arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Manufacturing precision

If the coupling rod rotates to adjust distance between coupling parts, then precise adjustment is achieved, but undesired changes in distance occur due to insufficient braking torque

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance adjustment precisionVSAvoiddistance stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing a braking torque that acts in opposition to any undesired rotational movements of the coupling rod. The brake pad is positioned to press against the brake disc, creating a frictional force that pre-empts and counteracts potential unwanted changes in the distance between coupling parts. This preliminary braking action stabilizes the adjusted position by continuously applying a counterbalancing torque.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of frictional forces that cause undesired distance changes into a beneficial braking torque. By deliberately designing a friction-based braking system where the brake pad presses against the brake disc, the invention transforms what could be a source of instability into a stabilizing mechanism. The friction that might otherwise cause unwanted movement is harnessed and directed to provide a controlled braking torque that maintains distance stability.

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

3Stability of the object's composition

If a braking device is added to prevent undesired distance changes, then stability is improved, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the braking function with the existing coupling rod structure. Instead of adding a separate, independent braking mechanism, the brake pad and brake disc are integrated into the coupling rod assembly. The brake disc is positioned on the coupling rod, and the brake pad is mounted on the coupling part, creating a compact braking device that utilizes the existing structural elements. This merging approach achieves distance stability without proportionally increasing manufacturing costs or device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the brake disc to serve dual purposes: it acts as both a structural component of the coupling rod assembly and as the friction surface for the braking device. The brake pad similarly serves both as a structural element mounted on the coupling part and as the friction element for torque generation. This universal design approach allows a single component to fulfill multiple functions, reducing the total number of parts and lowering manufacturing costs while still providing the required stability.

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

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

Enables precise, stepless adjustment of distance between coupling parts with enhanced stability against undesired changes, reducing manufacturing costs through a compact and efficient design.

Implementation Method 1

a frictional braking torque which, acting in addition to the frictional torque in the thread arrangement, prevents an undesired change in the distance between the first coupling part and the second coupling part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

with its second end on the second latching element... a coil spring is arranged between the frictional engagement element and a tapered end portion of the screw

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3647607B1Coupling device
Publication Date: 2022.03.02 SACS
  • EP3647607B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3647607B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3647607B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a coupling device for force-transmitting coupling of two components, comprising a first coupling part (11) comprising a first coupling interface (13), a second coupling part (12) comprising a second coupling interface (14), and a connecting rod (2) which is rotatably connected to the first coupling part (11) with a first end region (5) about an axis of rotation (3) and to the second coupling part (12) with a second end region (6) about the axis of rotation (3), wherein the first end region (5) and the first coupling part (11) form a first threaded arrangement (30) for adjusting a distance (20) between the first coupling part (11) and the second coupling part (12).According to the invention, a first brake device (31; 91) is assigned to the first threaded arrangement (30), which is designed for a, in particular exclusively, friction-based brake torque transmission between the first coupling part (11) and the first end region (5).