Viewing Panel Actuator Cam Encapsulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing viewing panel actuators face issues such as stripping of cam components, misalignment, and structural instability, leading to unreliable operation and complex assembly, especially when handling larger or heavier panels.
Innovation Solution
A viewing panel unit with an actuator featuring a cam and shaft connection where the engaging member is axially and radially encapsulated within the cam, providing a non-rotatable connection that enhances durability, alignment accuracy, and structural strength, while reducing the number of assembly parts and improving grip through strategically designed protrusions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a star-shaped member is used to connect the shaft and cam, then the connection provides non-rotatable engagement, but the star-shaped member can easily become misaligned with the cam during assembly or due to impact
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging member is nested within a cavity in the cam, with the cam material surrounding and encapsulating the engaging member. This nesting structure prevents misalignment and maintains stable orientation between the shaft and cam during assembly and operation, eliminating the alignment problems associated with star-shaped members.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement connection transitions from a two-dimensional planar interface (star-shaped hole) to a three-dimensional volumetric enclosure (cavity with surrounding cam material). This dimensional change provides constraints in multiple directions, preventing misalignment and enhancing connection stability.
2Force
If the cam is formed of low friction plastic material, then the panel can be moved with reduced friction, but the shaft section strips the cam material
Solution Approach 1:
The cam is segmented into two functional zones: a low-friction plastic surface for panel movement and a reinforced engagement zone with a cavity that encapsulates the engaging member. This segmentation allows the cam to provide both low friction for panel operation and high strength for shaft connection without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam combines low-friction plastic material for the panel-contact surface with a reinforced structural framework (cavity and surrounding material) for the engagement zone. This composite structure enables the cam to simultaneously deliver low friction during panel movement and high strength during shaft engagement.
3Device complexity
If the engaging member is not encapsulated within the cam, then the assembly is simpler, but the engaging member can pop out during impacts or high-speed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging member is nested within a cavity in the cam, creating a secure enclosed connection that prevents the engaging member from popping out during impacts or high-speed operation. The cam material surrounds the engaging member, providing mechanical constraint and retention.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the star-shaped member is used for connection, then non-rotatable engagement is achieved, but the manufacturing and assembly with required tolerances is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into the shaft, engaging member, and cam cavity components. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with standard tolerances, then assembled together to achieve the required engagement stability, simplifying the overall manufacturing and assembly process.
Data Source
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AI summary
A viewing panel unit is disclosed, comprising: a first panel comprising one or more light transparent regions that are substantially transparent to visible light and one or more light hindering regions which substantially hinder transmission of visible light; a second panel comprising one or more light transparent regions that are substantially transparent to visible light and one or more light hindering regions which substantially hinder transmission of visible light; and an actuator for moving the second panel relative to the first panel in a plane parallel to the plane of the first panel, wherein the actuator comprises: a cam configured such that rotational movement of the cam causes linear movement of said second panel relative to said first panel; a shaft extending through the cam; and an engaging member, wherein: the engaging member provides a non-rotatable connection between the shaft and the cam such that rotation of the shaft in use causes a corresponding rotation of said cam; the engaging member comprises an engaging portion that extends radially outwards from the shaft; and the engaging portion is axially encapsulated within the cam.