Torque Chuck Spacer Prevents Material Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional torque activated chucks for winding and unwinding reels of deformable material often cause deformation and tearing of the material edge due to outward radial forces, leading to unwanted slipping and inefficiencies in engagement and disengagement, especially when the roll is nearly depleted.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical torque activated chuck with a central shaft, cam seat, and support portion featuring a spacer member to create a gap between the core and material, and expansion units with a tapered roller bearing for controlled engagement and disengagement, minimizing angular actuation strokes and preventing material contact during unwinding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If locking bodies radially expand to engage the core, then the core holding power is improved, but the material edge becomes deformed and torn due to outward radial force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecore holding powerVSAvoidmaterial deformation and tearing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A cushioning element (compressible member) is introduced as an intermediary between the locking bodies and the core. This cushioning element absorbs the outward radial force through compression, preventing direct transmission of damaging forces to the material edge while still enabling the locking bodies to engage and hold the core securely

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cushioning element is pre-positioned between the locking bodies and the core to provide protective cushioning before the locking bodies engage. This prior cushioning prevents material deformation and tearing by absorbing shock and distributing forces evenly during the engagement process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Device complexity

If the chuck uses conventional engagement mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the engagement and disengagement are not immediate and precise, causing unwanted slipping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechuck structureVSAvoidengagement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Cam surfaces with curved geometries are used to translate rotational motion into precise radial movement of the locking bodies. The cam mechanism provides immediate and controlled engagement/disengagement action, eliminating slipping while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The chuck employs a dynamic cam-based mechanism that actively controls the engagement and disengagement process through rotational actuation. This dynamic system ensures immediate response and precise positioning of the locking bodies, improving engagement reliability without excessive structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the locking bodies apply outward force to hold the core, then the core is securely engaged, but the remaining material becomes stressed and deformed as the roll is depleted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecore engagementVSAvoidmaterial integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cushioning element is positioned in advance between the locking bodies and the core to provide protective cushioning during engagement. This prior cushioning prevents stress concentration and material deformation, especially when the roll is depleted and the core has less structural support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The cushioning element changes its compressibility parameter under load, becoming more compliant when the core is depleted and has less rigidity. This parameter change allows the system to maintain secure engagement while adapting to the reduced strength of the remaining core and material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables immediate and precise engagement and disengagement with reduced slipping, preventing material deformation and damage, maximizing the use of the remaining material and ensuring reliable operation during the unwinding process.

Implementation Method 1

expansion units with a tapered roller bearing for controlled engagement and disengagement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTapered roller bearing: Roller

Implementation Method 2

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentUS12252363B2Mechanical torque activated chuck with material preservation features

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 BRETTSCHNEIDER REIMUND K

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 support portion includes 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 cam seat. The expansion portion includes an arcuate profile comprising a core relief feature having a spacer member arranged on a portion of the support portion, the spacer member operative to impede motion of a core of a roll of material along the axis of rotation.