Robust push-push connector

Abstract

This disclosure relates, in general, to movable coupling mechanisms, and more specifically, to push-push devices for adjustably coupling a first object to a second object. In some embodiments, the push-push device includes a shuttle block configured to couple to the first object, a track block configured to couple to the second object, and an arm rotatably coupled to the shuttle block at its distal end and slidably coupled to the track block at its proximal end. The push-push device may also include one or more first springs configured to apply a torsional preload force to the arm, and one or more second springs configured to apply a linear preload force between the shuttle block and the track block.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a robust push - push connector.

Background Art

[0002] Push - push mechanisms can be used in various applications to guide the interaction between two or more objects. A push - push mechanism is characterized as a mechanical mechanism that is actuated by applying a force in the same direction to shift a device between at least one of two stable states. In some examples, a push - push mechanism can be utilized as a latch mechanism where a first object is attached to and then released from a second object by applying a unidirectional force, for example, to unlock and lock a closure (such as a hinged cabinet or a sliding drawer). In some examples, a push - push mechanism can be utilized as an adjustable connector where a unidirectional force is applied to extend a first object towards a second object and then retract it. Common examples of such push - push adjustable connectors include the mechanisms used at the legs of a camera tripod or the adjustable tip of a retractable pen.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Various configurations of push - push latches and connectors are known. However, many such configurations rely on fragile components or mechanisms that are prone to damage by improper use by the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to coupling mechanisms for apparatus and devices, and more specifically to push-push mechanisms for coupling one or more objects together. In certain embodiments, a push-push device is provided for adjustably coupling a first object to a second object. The push-push device includes a shuttle block configured to couple to the first object, a track block configured to couple to the second object, and an arm having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the arm being rotatably coupled to the shuttle block, and the proximal end of the arm being slidably coupled to a concave track in the track block. The push-push device also includes one or more first springs positioned between the distal end of the arm and the shuttle block, and one or more second springs extending between the track block and the shuttle block. One or more first springs may be configured to apply a torsional preload force to the arm, and one or more second springs may be configured to apply a linear preload force between the distal end of the track block and the proximal end of the shuttle block. When a pushing force is applied to the distal end of the shuttle block and directed toward the distal end of the track block, the distal end of the arm is configured to rotate relative to the shuttle block, and the proximal end of the arm is configured to move along the concave track of the track block. As the proximal end of the arm moves along the concave track in response to the pushing force, the push-push device is configured to transition between a latched state and an unlatched state.

[0005] To allow for a more detailed understanding of the above-mentioned features of this disclosure, a more specific description of this disclosure, which has been briefly summarized above, can be obtained by referring to embodiments, some of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings only illustrate exemplary embodiments and are therefore not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as other equally effective embodiments are also possible. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1A-1D]Figure 1A shows a perspective view of an exemplary push-push connector according to a particular embodiment, Figure 1B shows a top view of an exemplary push-push connector according to a particular embodiment, Figure 1C shows a bottom view of an exemplary push-push connector according to a particular embodiment, and Figure 1D shows a side view of an exemplary push-push connector according to a particular embodiment. [Figure 2A] Figures 1A to 1D show exploded perspective views of the connector according to a specific embodiment. [Figure 2B] Figures 1A to 1D show partially exploded perspective views of the connector shown in the diagram, according to a specific embodiment. [Figure 2C] Using the cutting line 2C-2C in Figure 1B, according to a specific embodiment, a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the connector shown in Figures 1A to 1D is shown. [Figure 3] Figures 1A to 1D show end views of the proximal end of the connector according to a specific embodiment. [Figure 4] Figures 1A to 1D show exemplary top views of track blocks from the connectors shown in a particular embodiment. [Figure 5A] Figures 1A to 1D show partially exploded perspective views of the connector, with the arm shown as a phantom, according to a specific embodiment. [Figure 5B] Figures 1A to 1D show detailed exploded views of a portion of the connector shown in a specific embodiment. [Figure 6A] Figures 1A to 1D show exemplary perspective views of the reaction disk from the connector shown in Figures 1A to 1D, according to a specific embodiment. [Figure 6B] Figures 1A to 1D show exemplary perspective views of arms from the connectors shown in Figures 1A to 1D, according to a specific embodiment. [Figures 7A-7F] Figures 1A to 1D show perspective views of the connector in operation according to a specific embodiment. [Figures 8A-8F] Figures 7A to 7F show corresponding diagrams of the position and movement of some parts of the connector when it is operated according to a specific embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same elements common to the figures where possible. It is assumed that elements and features of one embodiment may be advantageously incorporated into other embodiments without further detail.

[0008] In the following description, details are given as examples to facilitate understanding of the subject matter disclosed. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed implementations are examples and do not encompass all possible implementations. Therefore, it should be understood that references to the examples described are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Any modifications and further alterations to the devices, apparatus, and methods described, as well as any further applications of the principles of this disclosure, are well conceivable to those skilled in the art in which this disclosure relates. In particular, it is well conceivable that features, components, and / or steps described in relation to one implementation may be combined with features, components, and / or steps described in relation to other implementations of this disclosure.

[0009] As described herein, the distal end, segment, or portion of a component refers to the end, segment, or portion closer to the user during use when a pushing force is applied to that component. Conversely, the proximal end, segment, or portion of a component refers to the end, segment, or portion further away from the user when a pushing force is applied to that component.

[0010] Embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to push-push mechanisms for use with medical instruments and devices, among other devices.

[0011] Various configurations of push-push latches and connectors are known. For example, certain conventional push-push mechanisms include a latch arm configured to translate laterally to perform a cycle of a mechanical track between a latched state and an unlatched state. As the arm moves along the track, the arm itself gradually deflects perpendicular to the loop, so that at the end of the cycle, the end of the arm moves over the perpendicular edge of the track surface, thereby preventing its reverse movement. This effectively "resets" the cycle to its starting position. However, the deflection of the arm perpendicular to the track can make the push-push mechanism somewhat fragile, as relatively large tensions can cause the arm to detach from the track. Such detachment can lead to improper function or further damage to the arm and / or other components of the push-push mechanism.

[0012] In other examples, the arm may be relatively rigid and strong, but not pre-loaded. In such examples, the arm may not function effectively unless positioned in a specific orientation relative to gravity, and may reach a latched or unlatched state by being oriented by the shape of the track itself.

[0013] The following description provides a robust push-push mechanism that addresses many of the problems associated with conventional push-push devices. Certain embodiments of this disclosure provide a robust push-push mechanism that can be used in a variety of applications where a first object is required to be adjustable or movable to a second object for the deployment and retraction of the first object. For example, in certain embodiments, the described push-push mechanism can be used in medical instruments and devices. One such example of a suitable medical device is a foot switch for surgical procedures. More specifically, the described push-push mechanism can be used to connect a safety shroud for a foot switch (e.g., a first object) to a stationary base of a foot switch (e.g., a second object) such that the shroud can be adjusted between an extended position for use and a retracted position for housing and charging the foot switch. Thus, certain embodiments described herein allow the shroud of a foot switch to be both extended and retracted by the same pushing motion. While the specific examples presented herein refer to shrouds for surgical foot switches, it should be understood that the examples in this disclosure may be used in any application that benefits from the incorporation of a push-push connector that facilitates the extension and contraction of an object between multiple states relative to another stationary object.

[0014] Figures 1A to 1D show perspective, top, bottom, and side views, respectively, of an exemplary push-push connector according to a particular embodiment. For clarity, Figures 1A to 1D are described together herein. The push-push connector (hereinafter referred to as the "connector") 100 includes a rod block 102 located at the distal end 116 of the connector 100, a track block 108 located at the proximal end 118 of the connector 100, and a shuttle block 104 located between the rod block 102 and the track block 108. The rod block 102 is coupled to the shuttle block 104 by a latch plate 120. The connector 100 includes a main rod 110 extending through the shuttle block 104 between the track block 108 and the rod block 102. The connector 100 also includes an arm 106, a pair of compression springs 112A, 112B, and a pair of compression spring rods 114A, 114B extending between the shuttle block 104 and the track block 108. In other embodiments, the pair of compression springs 112A, 112B include extension springs, helical springs, or torsion springs. Generally, the connector 100 is actuated by pushing the rod block 102 and the shuttle block 104 connected to the rod block 102 toward the track block 108. When the rod block 102 is pushed toward the track block 108, the movement of the arm 106 relative to the track block 108 allows the rod block 102 to move between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the track block 108, as will be described in more detail below. The movement of the rod block 102 between the extended and retracted positions then causes the connector 100 to move between an unlatched state and a latched state, respectively.

[0015] The arm 106 includes a distal end 122 rotatably coupled to the upper surface 126 of the shuttle block 104 and a proximal end 124 slidably coupled to the upper surface 132 of the track block 108. The distal end 122 of the arm 106 is secured to the shuttle block 104 by a fastener 138. The proximal end 124 of the arm 106 is secured to the track block 108 by a dowel pin 128 extending from the arm 106 into a recessed track 130 formed in the upper surface 132 of the track block 108. The recessed track 130 defines a path along which the dowel pin 128 (and the proximal end 124 of the arm 106 attached thereto) moves when the connector 100 is actuated and the arm 106 (and the shuttle block 104 attached thereto) is pushed toward or separated from the track block 108.

[0016] The compression springs 112A, 112B and the compression spring rods 114A, 114B extend parallel to the main rod 110, on both sides of the main rod 110, between the proximal end 152 of the shuttle block 104 and the distal end 147 of the track block 108. As described above in certain embodiments, each of the compression springs 112A, 112B may include a helical spring to generate a linear preload force between the shuttle block 104 and the track block 108. The compression spring rods 114A, 114B extending through the compression springs 112A, 112B prevent the compression springs 112A, 112B from buckling and promote linear alignment and stability. Together with the compression spring rods 114A, 114B, the main rod 110 aligns the rod block 102 and the shuttle block 104 with the track block 108. Therefore, when the rod block 102 is pushed toward the track block 108, the main rod 110 allows only linear motion of the rod block 102 and the shuttle block 104 relative to the track block 108 along the longitudinal axis of the main rod 110 which is parallel to the X-axis.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1C, the latch plate 120 extends across the bottom surface of the connector 100 between the shuttle block 104 and the rod block 102. The latch plate 120 secures the rod block 102 to the shuttle block 104. The latch plate 120 includes three bores (shown as either 251 or 252) linearly aligned along the distal end 146 of the latch plate 120, with two side bores 251 adjacent to the central bore 252. The latch plate 120 may be attached to the rod block 102 by passing two fasteners 140 through the two side bores 251 of the latch plate 120 and threading them into two corresponding bores 253 of the rod block 102. The latch plate 120 may also be attached to the main rod 110 extending through the shuttle block 104 by passing a fastener 141 through the central bore 252 of the latch plate 120 and threading it onto the distal end of the main rod 110. The proximal end 148 of the latch plate 120 is removably coupled to the shuttle block 104. When the proximal end 148 of the latch plate 120 is detached from the shuttle block 104, the rod block 102, the main rod 110, and the latch plate 120 become movable relative to the shuttle block 104 and can be separated from the shuttle block 104.

[0018] The connector 100 is configured to adjustably couple a first object to a second object. The second object can be a stationary object or a stationary surface (e.g., a stationary base or the surface of an object). When the first object is adjustably coupled to the second object by the connector 100, the first object is movable relative to the second object. The track block 108 includes a plurality of bores 134 for securing the track block 108 to the second object. On the other hand, the rod block 102 includes a pocket 136 extending through the center of the rod block 102. The pocket 136 can be used to secure the rod block 102 to the first object. The first object can then be pushed by a user towards the second object to activate the connector 100.

[0019] FIG. 2A shows an exploded view of the connector 100 according to a particular embodiment. FIG. 2B shows a partial exploded bottom view of the connector 100 that details the assembly of the shuttle block 104, the latch plate 120, the rod block 102, and the main rod 110 according to a particular embodiment. FIG. 2C shows a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the connector 100 using the cutting line 2C - 2C of FIG. 1B according to a particular embodiment. FIGS. 2A - 2C are described together herein for clarity.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2A, the connector 100 includes a reaction disk 202 and a torsion spring 204 disposed between the distal end 122 of the arm 106 and a mount 208 on the upper surface 126 of the shuttle block 104. The mount 208 is disposed near the distal end 250 of the shuttle block 104 and is configured to mate with the bottom surface of the reaction disk 202. The mount 208 is also configured to hold the torsion spring 204 such that the torsion spring 204 is disposed between the mount 208 and the reaction disk 202. As shown in FIG. 2C, when the fastener 138 is used to secure the arm 106 to the upper surface 126 of the shuttle block 104, it is threaded through the washer 206, the arm 106, the reaction disk 202, the torsion spring 204, and the shuttle block 104.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2A, each of the compression spring rods 114A, 114B may include internal rods 264A, 264B located within rod sleeves 266A, 266B. The rod sleeves 266A, 266B may be configured to reduce friction between the compression springs 112A, 112B and the compression spring rods 114A, 114B extending through them, thereby eliminating sliding noise when the connector 100 is in use. In some embodiments, the proximal end 152 of the shuttle block 104 includes a central opening 154 flanked by a pair of openings 156A, 156B. The central opening 154 may be configured to receive the main rod 110, allowing the main rod 110 to extend through the shuttle block 104 when the connector 100 is assembled. Openings 156A and 156B adjacent to the central opening 154 at the proximal end 152 of the shuttle block 104 may be configured to receive the distal ends of compression springs 112A and 112B and compression spring rods 114A and 114B extending between the shuttle block 104 and the track block 108. In such embodiments, the proximal ends of the compression springs 112A and 112B and the compression spring rods 114A and 114B extending through them may be received by the track block 108.

[0022] In some embodiments, the openings 156A, 156B in the proximal end 152 of the shuttle block 104 for receiving the distal ends of the compression springs 112A, 112B and the compression spring rods 114A, 114B may be formed as cylindrical bores or recesses that partially extend through the proximal end 152 of the shuttle block 104. The openings 156A, 156B may be sized to allow the distal ends of the compression spring rods 114A, 114B to be press-fitted into the openings 156A, 156B and secured to the proximal end 152 of the shuttle block 104. The openings 156A, 156B may also be sized to correspond to the compression height of the compression springs 112A, 112B when the connector 100 is actuated. As shown in Figure 2C, the distal ends of the compression spring 112A and compression spring rod 114A received by the opening 156A may contact the inner surface of the opening 156A of the proximal end 152 of the shuttle block 104, so that the compression spring 112A and compression spring rod 114A partially extend through the proximal end 152 of the shuttle block 104. The compression spring 112B and compression spring rod 114B received by the opening 156B may similarly partially extend through the proximal end 152 of the shuttle block 104. Partial extension of the compression springs 112A and 112B within the openings 156A and 156B of the shuttle block 104 allows the distal ends of the compression springs 112A and 112B to contact the proximal end 152 of the shuttle block 104.

[0023] The track block 108 may correspondingly include a central opening 260 adjacent to a pair of openings 258A, 258B for receiving the proximal end of the main rod 110, and the compression springs 112A, 112B and the compression spring rods 114A, 114B. In some embodiments, the central opening 260 and the pair of openings 258A, 258B formed at the distal end 147 of the track block 108 may extend at least partially through the track block 108. The central opening 260 may be configured to slidably receive the proximal end of the main rod 110. The openings 258A, 258B of the track block 108 may also be configured to slidably receive the proximal ends of the compression springs 112A, 112B and the proximal ends of the compression spring rods 114A, 114B extending through them, respectively.

[0024] Therefore, when the connector 100 is assembled, the compression springs 112A, 112B and the compression spring rods 114A, 114B may extend between the openings 258A, 258B of the track block 108 and the openings 156A, 156B of the shuttle block 104. When the connector 100 is used such that the shuttle block 104 is pushed toward the track block 108 by the distal ends of the compression springs 112A, 112B and the compression spring rods 114A, 114B being attached to the proximal end 152 of the shuttle block 104, the main rod 110 and the compression spring rods 114A, 114B may then slide within the respective openings of the track block 108 to correspond to the decreasing distance between the proximal end 152 of the shuttle block 104 and the distal end 147 of the track block 108.

[0025] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the shuttle block 104 includes a pair of proximal sidewalls 247A, 247B extending from the proximal end 152 of the shuttle block 104. The proximal sidewalls 247A, 247B extend across a portion of the shuttle block 104 toward the distal end 250 of the shuttle block 104. The shuttle block 104 also includes a pair of distal sidewalls 244A, 244B extending from the distal end 250 toward the proximal end 152 of the shuttle block 104. As shown in Figure 2B, in some embodiments, the distal sidewalls 244A, 244B may extend between the proximal sidewalls 247A and 247B on either side of the shuttle block 104. In other embodiments, the proximal side walls 247A, 247B and the distal side walls 244A, 244B may be flush with each other, or they may be formed together as an integral side wall on the shuttle block 104.

[0026] In this case as well, the latch plate 120 may be fastened to the rod block 102 by passing two fasteners 140 through two bores 251 at the distal end 146 of the latch plate 146 and screwing them into two corresponding bores 253 of the rod block 102. The rod block 102 can then be aligned with the shuttle block 104 by fixing the latch plate 120 to the distal end 111 of the main rod 110 extending through the shuttle block 104. The distal end 111 of the main rod 110 may be fixed to the latch plate 120 by passing fasteners 141 through the central bore 252 at the distal end 146 of the latch plate 120 and screwing them into the bore 142 at the distal end 111 of the main rod 110. In order to align the shuttle block 104 and the rod block 102 with the track block 108, the central opening 154 at the proximal end 152 of the shuttle block 104 may be aligned with the central opening 260 at the distal end 147 of the track block 108. Thus, the main rod 110, which extends from the central opening 260 of the track block 108 to the rod block 102, can be inserted through the central opening 154 at the proximal end 152 of the shuttle block 104.

[0027] The proximal end 148 of the latch plate 120 includes a lip edge 249 configured to removably engage with the respective proximal ends 245A, 245B of the distal side walls 244A, 244B of the shuttle block 104. As shown in Figure 2C, the lip edge 249 can removably connect the latch plate 120 to the shuttle block 104 by engaging with the proximal ends 245A, 245B of the distal side walls 244A, 244B. When the lip edge 249 is engaged with the proximal ends 245A, 245B of the distal side walls 244A, 244B, the lip edge 249 of the latch plate 120 is positioned between the proximal ends 245A, 245B of the distal side walls 244A, 244B and the proximal end 152 of the shuttle block 104, and the latch plate 120 may extend substantially parallel to and in contact with the bottom surface of the distal side walls 244A, 244B. As shown in Figure 1C, when the lip edge 249 is engaged with the proximal ends 245A, 245B of the distal side walls 244A, 244B, the latch plate 120 may also be positioned between the proximal side walls 247A, 247B of the shuttle block 104.

[0028] In general, the latch plate 120 may function to restrain the shuttle block 104 against the rod block 102 while the connector 100 is functioning normally. In certain embodiments, the latch plate 120 may also be subjected to a maximum tensile load to protect the connector 100. In certain embodiments, the latch plate 120 may be configured to deflect or bend so that the lip edge 249 disengages from the proximal ends 245A, 245B of the distal side walls 244A, 244B of the shuttle block 104 when an excessive tensile force or load exceeding the maximum tensile load is applied to the connector 100. Disengaging the latch plate 120 from the shuttle block 104 allows the rod block 102 to temporarily detach from the shuttle block 104, preventing damage to the connector 100. When the latch plate 120 deflects, it may also react to the main rod 110, with the shuttle block 104 acting as a medium for the deflection.

[0029] In some embodiments, the fastener 141 connecting the latch plate 120 to the main rod 110 may be configured to provide a solid face-to-face connection between the latch plate 120 and the main rod 110. The solid face-to-face connection provides additional support for the latch plate 120's response to the main rod 110 during such deflection. If the rod block 102 is separated from the shuttle block 104 due to the removal of the latch plate 120, the proper functioning of the connector 100 may be temporarily suspended. However, the use of the connector 100 may be restored by re-engaging the lip edge 249 of the latch plate 120 with the proximal ends 245A, 245B of the distal side walls 244A, 244B of the shuttle block 104, thereby reconnecting the latch plate 120 and the rod block 102 to the shuttle block 104.

[0030] Figure 3 shows an end view of the proximal end 118 of the connector 100 shown in Figures 1A to 1D, according to a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the openings 258A and 258B may extend entirely through the track block 108 and may include annular flanges 302A and 302B, respectively, extending from the inner surfaces of the openings 258A and 258B of the track block 108. The annular flanges 302A and 302B, which tangent the boundaries along the inner circumference of the openings 258A and 258B, may each be formed with openings concentric with the openings 258A and 258B. The openings of the annular flanges 302A and 302B may each include a diameter made smaller than the respective widths of the compression springs 112A and 112B. Therefore, the annular flanges 302A and 302B may allow the corresponding proximal ends of the compression springs 112A and 112B to react to and contact the annular flanges 302A and 302B within the track block 108 when the connector 100 is assembled.

[0031] Therefore, the compression springs 112A and 122B extend and contact between the annular flanges 302A and 302B in the track block 108 and the inner surfaces of the openings 156A and 156B at the proximal end 152 of the shuttle block 104, thereby generating a linear preload force between the track block 108 and the shuttle block 104. The annular flanges 302A and 302B may also be formed and positioned within the openings 258A and 258B of the track block 108 to accommodate the sliding movement of the proximal ends of the compression spring rods 114A and 114B in the track block 108 when the shuttle block 104 is pushed toward the track block 108 during use of the connector 100, causing the connector 100 to transition between its latched and unlatched states.

[0032] As described above, once the connector 100 is assembled and operated, the distal ends of the compression spring rods 114A and 114B are attached to the proximal end 152 of the shuttle block 104, so that the proximal ends of the compression spring rods 114A and 114B can slide within the openings 258A and 258B of the track block 108 as the space between the shuttle block 104 and the track block 108 changes. In some embodiments, the proximal ends of the compression spring rods 114A and 114B may slide between distal and proximal positions within the openings 258A and 258B of the track block 108 as the connector 100 transitions between an unlatched state and a latched state, respectively. When the connector 100 is in an unlatched state, the proximal ends of the compression spring rods 114A and 114B may be in a distal position closer to the distal end 147 of the track block 108 compared to a proximal position.

[0033] When connector 100 is activated and transitions to a latched state, the shuttle block 104 is pushed toward the track block 108, which in turn pushes the compression spring rods 114A and 114B, which are mounted extending from the proximal end 152 of the shuttle block 104, toward the track block 108. As the compression spring rods 114A and 114B are pushed toward the track block 108, their proximal ends slide from their distal position toward a proximal position that is further from the distal end 147 of the track block 108 than their distal position, corresponding to the decreasing space between the shuttle block 104 and the track block 108. As the proximal ends of the compression spring rods 114A and 114B slide toward their distal position, the compression spring rods 114A and 114B may also slide toward the annular flanges 302A and 302B. When the connector 100 is returned to the unlatched state, the proximal ends of the compression spring rods 114A and 114B slide back to their distal positions toward the distal end 147 of the track block 108, away from the annular flanges 302A and 302B.

[0034] Figure 4 shows a top view of a track block 108 from the connector 100 shown in Figures 1A to 1D, according to a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the concave track 130 includes a first segment 402, a second segment 404, and a third segment 406 connected to each other, which give the concave track 130 a roughly triangular shape. Thus, the first, second, and third segments 402, 404, and 406 define and define the roughly triangular raised surface 408 in the center of the track block 108, which has a first corner 410, a second corner 412, and a third corner 414. The first segment 402 connects to the second segment 404 at the first corner 410, the second segment 404 connects to the third segment 406 at the second corner 412, and the third segment 406 reconnects to the first segment 402 at the third corner 414. The raised surface 408 includes side walls 416 adjacent to each of the first segment 402, the second segment 404, and the third segment 406. The first segment 402, the second segment 404, and the third segment 406 define the path to which the dowel pin 128 moves when the connector 100 is actuated and transitions between a latched state and an unlatched state.

[0035] When the dowel pin 128 is on the first segment 402 and a pushing force is applied, the dowel pin 128 moves and advances toward the first corner 410. When the dowel pin 128 is on the second segment 404 when a pushing force is applied, the dowel pin 128 moves and advances toward the second corner 412. When the dowel pin 128 moves from the second segment 404 to the third segment 406, the mechanically generated preload force, produced by the combination of the extension force applied by the compressed compression springs 112A and 112B and the torsional preload force applied to the arm 106 by the torsion spring 204, causes the dowel pin 128 to automatically move along the third segment 406 toward the third corner 414 and around it toward the first segment 402. The first corner 410, the second corner 412, and the third corner 414 define points along the concave track 130, at which the movement of the dowel pin 128 (and the arm 106 connected to the dowel pin 128) jumps abruptly and irreversibly between two stable states.

[0036] Figure 5A shows a perspective view of a particular embodiment in which the connector 100 is partially disassembled and the arm 106 is in the phantom. Figure 5B shows a detailed exploded view of a portion of the connector 100, specifically the coupling of the arm 106 to the shuttle block 104, in a particular embodiment. Figures 6A and 6B show additional perspective views of the reaction disk 202 and the arm 106, respectively, in a particular embodiment. Figures 5A-5B and 6A-6B are described together in this specification for clarity.

[0037] As shown in the figure, the torsion spring 204 is coupled to the reaction disk 202 and, when the connector 100 is assembled, is positioned between the arm 106 and the mount 208. The torsion spring 204 includes a coil 502 having an opening 504, a first arm 506, and a second arm 508. The mount 208 is formed on the base 512 of the mount 208 and includes a curved feature 510 adjacent to the opening 514. The opening 514 is configured to receive fasteners 138 for securing the arm 106 to the shuttle block 104. The curved feature 510 may be configured to mate with a curved feature 516 on the bottom surface of the reaction disk 202 adjacent to the opening 518 (shown in Figure 6A). The curved feature 510 on the mount 208 includes surfaces 520 and 522. Surface 522 is configured to contact surface 524 on the curved feature portion 516 when the reaction disk 202 is positioned on the base 512 of the mount 208. When the reaction disk 202 is positioned on the mount 208, the surface 526 on the curved feature portion 516 of the reaction disk 202 extends from the surface 520 of the curved feature portion 510 of the mount 208, and the opening 518 of the reaction disk 202 aligns with the opening 514 of the mount 208 so as to face the surface 520 of the curved feature portion 510 of the mount 208. With the reaction disk 202 assembled on the base 512 of the mount 208, the torsion spring 204 may be cradled between the curved feature portion 510 of the mount 208 and the curved feature portion 516 of the reaction disk 202, and the opening 504 of the coil 502 of the torsion spring 204 is also aligned with the opening 514 of the mount 208 and the opening 518 of the reaction disk 202. When the torsion spring 204 is positioned between the curved feature portion 510 and the curved feature portion 516, a portion of the first arm 506 of the torsion spring 204 may be in contact with the surface 520 on the curved feature portion 510 of the mount 208, and a portion of the second arm 508 of the torsion spring 204 may be in contact with the surface 526 on the curved feature portion 516 of the reaction disk 202.

[0038] In certain embodiments, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the distal end 122 of the arm 106 may include a housing having a cavity 528 configured to surround the reaction disk 202, the torsion spring 204, and the mount 208 when the arm 106 is coupled to the shuttle block 104. The housing at the distal end 122 of the arm 106 also includes an opening 530 for receiving a fastener 138. When the arm 106 is attached to the shuttle block 104 with the fastener 138, the opening 530 is configured to align with the opening 518 of the reaction disk 202, the opening 504 of the torsion spring 204, and the opening 514 of the mount 208.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the distal end 122 of the arm 106 may also include a first tapered surface 532 (shown in Figure 5B) and a second tapered surface 534 (shown in Figure 6B) extending from the housing at the distal end 122 of the arm 106 toward the proximal end 124 of the arm 106. The first tapered surface 532 may face the second tapered surface 534 such that a gap for fluid communication with the cavity 528 at the distal end 122 of the arm 106 is formed between the first tapered surface 532 and the second tapered surface 534 to receive the first and second arms 506, 508 of the torsion spring 204. When the arm 106 is assembled with the shuttle block 104 such that the torsion spring 204 is positioned within the cavity 528 of the arm 106, a portion of the first arm 506 contacts the first tapered surface 532, and a portion of the second arm 508 contacts the second tapered surface 534. The contact between the first and second arms 506, 508 of the torsion spring 204 and the first and second tapered surfaces 532, 534 of the arm 106 allows the torsion spring 204 to apply a torsional preload force to the arm 106 as the arm 106 rotates.

[0040] Referring to Figure 5A, the arm 106, the reaction disk 202, and the torsion spring 204 are assembled within the housing of the arm 106, with the arm 106 in a neutral angular position (shown in Figure 5A) and positioned on the mount 208 (shown in Figure 1A). A portion of the first arm 506 of the torsion spring 204 adjacent to the coil 502 abuts against the surface 520 on the curved feature 510 of the mount 208, and another portion of the first arm 506 adjacent to the end of the first arm 506 abuts against the first tapered surface 532 of the arm 106. Correspondingly, a portion of the second arm 508 of the torsion spring 204 closer to the coil 502 abuts against the surface 526 on the curved feature 516 of the reaction disk 202, and another portion of the second arm 508 closer to the end of the second arm 508 abuts against the second tapered surface 534 of the arm 106. By bringing the second arm 508 into contact with the surface 526 of the reaction disk 202, a rotational force is applied to the reaction disk 202, causing the surface 524 of the reaction disk 202 to contact the surface 522 of the mount 208. The contact of both the first and second arms 506 and 508 of the torsion spring 204 when the arm 106 is in its neutral angular position allows the arm 106 to be preloaded in both directions relative to the neutral angular position. In this example, by using the torsion spring 204 to generate a preload on the arm 106 rather than deflecting the arm 106 itself, it is possible to make the arm 106 relatively strong and rigid, thereby increasing the robustness of the connector 100 against tensile loads. The torsional preload force applied to the arm 106 by the torsion spring 204 may also press the dowel pin 128 extending from the proximal end 124 of the arm 106 against the side wall 416 of the raised surface 408, thus eliminating any looseness in the "feel" of the assembled connector 100 and thereby contributing to the robustness of the connector 100.

[0041] Figures 7A to 7F show perspective views of the connector 100 in operation when a pushing force is applied to the rod block 102 according to a particular embodiment. Figures 8A to 8F show corresponding diagrams of the position and movement of the dowel pin 128 on the track block 108 when the connector 100 is operating as shown in Figures 7A to 7F according to a particular embodiment. As used herein, a reference to the connector 100 being in an unlatched state corresponds to the connector 100 being in a first stable state, where the rod block 102 extends from the track block 108 at the maximum distance from the track block 108 permitted by the connector 100. A reference to the connector 100 being in a latched state corresponds to the connector 100 being in a second stable state, where the rod block 102 is retracted toward and closer to the track block 108 compared to when the connector 100 is in an unlatched state.

[0042] As described above, once the connector 100 is assembled, the distal end 122 of the arm 106 is connected to the shuttle block 104 via a fastener 138, allowing the arm 106 to rotate on the fastener 138. When a user applies a pushing force parallel to the longitudinal axis and X-axis of the main rod 110 toward the track block 108 relative to the rod block 102, the pushing force simultaneously pushes the distal end 122 of the arm 106, which is connected to the shuttle block 104, toward the track block 108. The pushing force causes the dowel pin 128, connected to the proximal end 124 of the arm 106, to translate within the concave track 130 and come into contact with the side wall 416 of the concave track 130. In some embodiments, as the rod block 102 (and the connected shuttle block 104) moves toward the track block 108 in response to an applied pushing force, the movement of the shuttle block 104 causes the distal end 122 of the arm 106 to rotate, and the dowel pin 128 slides against the side wall 416, moving counterclockwise around the concave track 130 of the track block 108.

[0043] Figure 7A shows the connector 100 in an unlatched state, ready for operation, with the connector 100 in a stationary position. As applied to the shroud example described above, when the connector 100 is in the stationary position shown in Figure 7A, the shroud may be extended and available for use. In the illustrated example, the arm 106 is in the neutral angular position described above, with a slight preload applied to the arm 106 by the torsion spring 204. As shown in the corresponding Figure 8A, the dowel pin 128 extending from the proximal end 124 of the arm 106 is on the first segment 402 and adjacent to the third corner 414. In this first stable state, the dowel pin 128 is also in contact with the side wall 416 of the raised surface 308 due to the torsional preload. The rod block 102 can be pushed toward the track block 108 in order to actuate the connector 100 and retract the rod block 102 toward the track block 108. In the illustrated example, a pushing force of 700 is applied to push the rod block 102 (and the shuttle block 104 connected to the rod block 102) toward the track block 108.

[0044] Referring to Figures 7B and 8B, when the shuttle block 104 is pushed toward the track block 108, in some embodiments, the distal end 122 of the arm 106 rotates clockwise with respect to its neutral angular position around the shuttle block 104, and the proximal end 124 of the arm 106 begins to translate around the concave track 130 in the track block 108. In other embodiments, the connector 100 may be configured to be a mirror image of the example shown, such that the arm 106 rotates counterclockwise with respect to its neutral angular position around the shuttle block 104 when the shuttle block 104 is pushed toward the track block 108. When a push force 700 is applied to the connector 100 in the unlatched state shown in Figure 1A, the dowel pin 128 begins to slide across the first segment 402 from the third corner 414 toward the first corner 410. As the dowel pin 128 slides across the first segment 402, the rotation of the distal end 122 of the arm 106 gradually further preloads the arm 106 until the dowel pin 128 slides beyond the first corner 410 onto the second segment 404 to a second stable position. Specifically, in the corresponding rotation of the arm 106 as the dowel pin 128 slides across the first segment 402 toward the first corner 410, the second tapered surface 534 of the arm 106 can further press against the second arm 508 to which the torsion spring 204 is in contact, while the first arm 506 of the torsion spring 204 continues to be in contact with the surface 520 of the mount 208. Thus, the rotation of the arm 106 can increase the torsional preload already present on the arm 106. Therefore, the range of movement of the dowel pin 128 across the first segment 402 can directly correspond to the applied pushing force 700. Specifically, in order to enable pushing the shuttle block 104 toward the track block 108, further rotating the arm 106, and further moving the dowel pin 128 toward the first corner 410 along the first segment 402, the pushing force 700 must be sufficiently greater than the parallel component of the increasing torsional preload force applied to the arm 106, as well as the increasing linear preload force due to the compression springs 112A and 112B.

[0045] If the pushing force 700 is not large enough to move the dowel pin 128 beyond the first corner 410 to the second segment 404 (as shown in Figures 7C and 8C), the combination of the parallel component of the torsional preload force from the torsion spring 204 and the linear preload forces from the compression springs 112A and 122B allows the dowel pin 128 to return to its previous stable state (resting position) on the first segment 402 adjacent to the third corner 414 (as shown in Figures 7A and 8A) after the pushing force 700 has been removed.

[0046] However, if the push force 700 is large enough to move the dowel pin 128 onto the second segment 404 around the first corner 410, the connector 100 transitions from the unlatched state shown in Figures 7A, 7B, and 7C to the latched state shown in Figure 7D. Once the dowel pin 128 has slid over the first corner 410 and the push force 700 is removed, the torsional preload force from the torsion spring 204 causes the dowel pin 128 to slide along the second segment 404 toward the second corner 412. The sliding of the dowel pin 128 toward the second corner 412 along the second segment 404 may correspond to the rotation of the distal end 122 of the arm 106 toward the neutral angular position. As the dowel pin 128 slides across the second segment 404, the torsional preload force accumulated since the dowel pin 128 reached the first corner 410 may also decrease. The torsional preload force decreases in accordance with the opposite rotation of the arm 106 and the movement of the dowel pin 128 along the second segment 404, but a portion of the torsional preload force on the arm 106 remains in contact with the dowel pin 128 against the second corner 412.

[0047] As described above, by applying a pushing force of 700, the connector 100 can be transitioned from the unlatched state shown in Figure 7A to the latched state shown in Figure 7D. In the positions shown in Figures 7D and 8D, when the connector 100 is in the latched state, the rod block 102 is retracted toward the track block 108. As applied to the shroud example described above, when the connector 100 is in the position shown in Figure 7D, the shroud can be retracted for storage or charging. As shown in Figure 8D, when the connector 100 is in the latched state with the dowel pin 128 adjacent to the second corner 412, the connector 100 is in a second stable state and, after the connector 100 is released, it must be free to return toward the stationary position (as shown in Figures 7A and 8A), and therefore may inevitably be subjected to an infinite amount of tension load.

[0048] Referring to Figures 7E and 8E, the connector 100 may be unlatched by a second pushing force 720 applied to the rod block 102 toward the track block 108. When the second pushing force 720 is applied, the angle between the second segment 404 and the second corner 412, coupled with the torsional preload force, causes the dowel pin 128 to slide along the second corner 412 toward the third segment 406. Therefore, the applied second pushing force 720 must also be large enough to slide the dowel pin 128 beyond the second corner 412 toward the third segment 406, thereby unlatching the connector 100. When the dowel pin 128 is pushed beyond the second corner 412, the connector 100 may be unlatched and begin to move toward the resting position and the unlatched state. As shown in Figure 7E, once the connector 100 is released by the push force 720, the connector 100 begins to move toward the stationary position of the third segment 406 after the second push force 720 is released. Once the second push force 720 is released, the dowel pin 128 begins to move automatically along the third segment 406 as the connector 100 moves toward the first stable state (stationary position) shown in Figure 7A.

[0049] Referring to Figures 7F and 8F, when the second pushing force 720 is released, the torsional force from the torsion spring 204 can automatically move the dowel pin 128 along the third segment 406 from the second corner 412 toward the third corner 414. The movement of the dowel pin 128 along the third segment 406 corresponds to the extension and movement of the rod block 102 (and the shuttle block 104 connected to the rod block 102) toward the track block 108. The sliding of the dowel pin 128 toward the third corner 414 along the third segment 406 can also correspond to the arm 106 rotating counterclockwise relative to its neutral angular position. As the arm 106 rotates counterclockwise, the first tapered surface 532 on the arm 106 presses against the first arm 506 of the torsion spring 204, thereby bringing the second arm 508 into contact with the surface 526 of the reaction disk 202. The second arm 508 contacts the surface 526 of the reaction disk 202, thereby applying a rotational force to the reaction disk 202, which in turn causes the surface 524 of the reaction disk 202 to contact the surface 522 of the mount 208. As a result of the rotation of the arm 106, the dowel pin 128 moves toward the third corner 414, which can further increase the torsional preload already present on the arm 106.

[0050] As the dowel pin 128 reaches the end of the third segment 406 near the third corner 414, the increasing torsional preload force constructed from the counterclockwise rotation of the arm 106 while the dowel pin 128 moves across the third segment 406 may cause the dowel pin 128 to slide around the third corner 414, rotating the arm 106 back to its neutral angular position. As the dowel pin 128 slides around the third corner 414 on the first segment 402, the connector 100 may be reset and returned to the unlatched and stationary position as shown in Figure 7A. With the connector 100 reset, the rod block 102 returns to its extended position relative to the track block 108, and the connector 100 is ready to be actuated by the next push force.

[0051] In summary, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device for a robust push-push connector having a mechanism for adjustably coupling a first object to a second object. In particular, the device described above is configured to latch and unlatch a rod block and a shuttle block connected to the rod block from a track block. The rod block and shuttle block are then transitioned between a first stable state in which the rod block and shuttle block extend from the track block and a second stable state in which the rod block and shuttle block retract toward the track block.

[0052] The connector described above allows the rod block to transition between two stable states in response to a pushing force applied to the rod block in one direction (e.g., toward the track block). The connector connects the shuttle block to the rod block and includes a rigid and mechanically stable arm capable of withstanding substantial mechanical stress in all positions / states. The arm is coupled to a torsion spring, which holds a light preload on the arm, and both the latching and unlatching mechanisms are activated by the application of a pushing force in the direction of the preload. By using a torsion spring to generate a preload on the arm, the use of a rigid arm is made possible, eliminating any slack in the device. Thus, the embodiment described provides a robust push-push mechanism.

[0053] The foregoing relates to embodiments of the present disclosure, but other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, the scope of which will be determined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A push-push device for adjustably coupling a first object to a second object, A shuttle block configured to be coupled to the first object, An arm having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end of the arm is rotatably coupled to the shuttle block, and the proximal end of the arm is slidably coupled to a concave track in a track block configured to be coupled to the second object, One or more first springs are disposed between the distal end of the arm and the shuttle block, wherein the one or more first springs are configured to apply a torsional preload force to the arm, One or more second springs extending between the track block and the shuttle block, the one or more second springs configured to apply a linear preload force between the distal end of the track block and the proximal end of the shuttle block, The distal end of the arm is configured to rotate relative to the shuttle block, and the proximal end of the arm is configured to move along the concave track of the track block in response to a pushing force applied to the distal end of the shuttle block and toward the distal end of the track block. The push-push device includes one or more second springs configured to transition between a latched state and an unlatched state as the proximal end of the arm moves along the concave track in the track block in response to the pushing force.

2. The concave track within the track block is A first segment, a second segment, and a third segment adjacent to the raised surface of the track block, wherein the raised surface has a first corner, a second corner, and a third corner. The first segment is connected to the second segment at the first corner within the raised surface. The second segment is connected to the third segment at the second corner within the raised surface. The push-push device according to claim 1, wherein the third segment includes a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment connected to the first segment at the third corner within the raised surface.

3. The proximal end of the arm is slidably connected to the concave track by a sliding member configured to slide along the concave track between a first stable state and a second stable state when the pushing force is applied. The sliding member is located on the first segment and, when in the first stable state, is adjacent to the third corner. The push-push device according to claim 2, wherein the sliding member is located on the second segment and is adjacent to the second corner when in the second stable state.

4. The push-push device according to claim 3, wherein when the sliding member is in the first stable state, the push-push device is configured to be in the unlatched state.

5. The push-push device according to claim 3, wherein the push-push device is configured to enter the latched state when the sliding member is in the second stable state.

6. The push-push device according to claim 3, wherein the push-push device is configured to transition from the unlatched state to the latched state when the sliding member is moved from the first stable state to the second stable state by the push force.

7. The push-push device according to claim 3, wherein the push-push device is configured to transition from the unlatched state to the latched state when the sliding member is moved from the first segment to the second segment over the first corner by the pushing force.

8. The push-push device according to claim 3, wherein the push-push device is configured to transition from the latched state to the unlatched state when the sliding member is moved by the pushing force over the second corner from the second segment to the third segment.

9. The push-push device according to claim 3, wherein when the sliding member is in the first stable state when the push force is applied, the arm is configured to rotate, and the sliding member is configured to move along the first segment toward the first corner.

10. The push-push device according to claim 3, wherein when the sliding member is in the second stable state when the push force is applied, the arm is configured to rotate, and the sliding member is configured to move along the second segment over the second corner.

11. The push-push device according to claim 3, wherein the push force is applied to move the sliding member across the second corner, and after the push force is released, the linear preload force and the torsional preload force are configured to automatically move the sliding member along the third segment around the third corner to the first stable state.

12. The push-push device according to claim 3, wherein when the sliding member moves along the concave track, the torsional preload force is configured to hold the sliding member in contact with the side wall of the raised surface in the concave track.

13. The push-push device according to claim 1, further comprising a rod extending between the track block and the shuttle block, wherein the shuttle block is configured to slide along the rod toward the track block when the pushing force is applied.

14. The push-push device according to claim 1, further comprising a rod block for connecting the first object to the shuttle block, wherein the rod block is connected to the shuttle block by a latch plate, and the latch plate is configured to detach the rod block from the shuttle block when the tensile force applied to the rod block exceeds a maximum tensile load.

15. The push-push device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more first springs include one or more torsion springs.

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