Torque-Activated Chuck Cam Design for Low-Slip Core Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical torque activated chucks for winding and unwinding reels of deformable material often cause deformation and tearing of the remaining material due to outward radial forces, and they suffer from slipping issues during engagement and disengagement with the winding core.

Innovation Solution

The proposed torque activated chuck features a central shaft with a cam seat and a support portion that includes a second orifice with an expansion portion capable of radial movement, along with a follower member in the cam seat, to achieve reduced angular actuation strokes and immediate engagement/disengagement with minimal slipping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If locking bodies radially expand to engage the winding core, then torsional engagement is achieved, but material deformation and tearing occur at the roll edge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorsional engagementVSAvoidmaterial deformation and tearing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking bodies are segmented into multiple discrete elements arranged radially around the central shaft. Each locking body can expand and contract independently, allowing distributed engagement with the winding core that reduces concentrated stress on the material edge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking bodies change their radial dimension dynamically through expansion and contraction. During engagement, they expand radially to grip the core; during disengagement, they contract to release the core and material edge without applying excessive force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If locking bodies apply outward radial force to hold the core, then engagement strength increases, but material holding power diminishes as the roll depletes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement strengthVSAvoidmaterial holding power

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking bodies are designed with dynamic expansion and contraction capability, allowing the engagement force to be adjusted throughout the roll's lifecycle. As the roll depletes and the core becomes more deformable, the locking bodies can reduce their radial expansion to maintain holding power without causing damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If torque activated chuck uses conventional engagement mechanism, then torsional engagement is achieved, but angular actuation stroke is excessive and slipping occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorsional engagementVSAvoidangular actuation stroke

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cam profiles incorporated in the engagement mechanism utilize curved geometric surfaces that convert rotational motion into radial expansion of the locking bodies. This curved geometry enables immediate engagement with reduced angular actuation stroke and minimizes slipping between the mandrel and winding core.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

This design effectively reduces material deformation and tearing by minimizing contact pressure on the material edge and enhances the engagement process with reduced slipping, ensuring more controlled and efficient winding and unwinding operations.

Implementation Method 1

a cam seat defined by the central shaft... and a follower member arranged in the cam seat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 2

an expansion portion arranged in the second orifice such that the expansion portion is operative to move radially in the second orifice with respect to the axis of rotation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial expansion:

Data Source

PatentUS20250187083A1Mechanical torque activated chuck with material preservation features

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 BRETTSCHNEIDER REIMUND

AI summary

A chuck includes a central shaft defining an axis of rotation, a cam seat defined by the central shaft, and a support portion partially defining a first cavity having a first orifice at a first distal end of the support portion, the first orifice operative to engage the central shaft. The chuck further comprises a second orifice defined by the support portion, an expansion portion arranged in the second orifice such that the expansion portion is operative to move radially in the second orifice with respect to the axis of rotation, and a follower member arranged in the expansion portion. The expansion portion may contact the cam seat via the follower member. The chuck further includes a flange configured to axially slide in an external surface of the support portion.