Adjustable Closure Assembly for Clearance-Free Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure devices for connecting assemblies fail to provide a reliable, loadable, and clearance-free hold, especially in the presence of mechanical manufacturing tolerances, leading to potential vibrations and rattling.
Innovation Solution
The closure device features a plug opening delimited by boundary portions, with an adjusting element that rotates from a first position to a second position to secure the engagement between first and second engaging protrusions, ensuring a firm connection between the closure parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engaging element is inserted directly into the plug opening without adjustment mechanism, then the closing operation is simple and fast, but manufacturing tolerances cause clearances and rattling
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting element is positioned in a first position during closing that preliminarily prepares the engagement geometry, allowing the engaging element to be inserted along the closing direction without lateral adjustment. After insertion, the adjusting element is rotated to a second position that secures the engagement protrusions together, eliminating clearances. This preliminary positioning enables simple closing while achieving reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting element transitions from a static blocking position to an active engagement-securing position through rotation. In the first position, it allows insertion; in the second position, it actively secures the engagement between protrusions. This dynamic adjustment mechanism accommodates manufacturing tolerances while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If the adjusting element is always positioned to secure engagement, then connection stability is maximized, but the engaging element cannot be inserted due to obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting element dynamically changes position based on operational phase. During closing, it rotates to the first position where it does not obstruct the plug opening, allowing the engaging element to be inserted. After insertion, it rotates to the second position where it secures the engagement protrusions. This dynamic repositioning resolves the conflict between insertion capability and engagement security.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting element is preliminarily positioned in the first position before insertion occurs, creating a clear path for the engaging element. This preliminary non-obstructing position is maintained only during the insertion phase, then changed to the securing position after insertion is complete.
3Reliability
If the adjusting element rotates within the plug opening to secure engagement, then connection stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting element serves multiple functions: it acts as a blocking portion to prevent opening, an engaging element to secure protrusions, and a positioning mechanism to eliminate clearances. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single rotating component rather than multiple separate mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while achieving clearance-free connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting element combines the functions of a blocking portion and an engaging element into a single component. The same element that blocks opening also secures engagement when rotated to the second position, merging multiple functions into one mechanism and simplifying the overall device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A closure device for connecting two assemblies to each other includes a first closure part associated to a first one of the assemblies, which includes a housing part, a plug opening arranged on the housing part, at least one first engaging protrusion and an adjusting element adjustably arranged on the housing part. The closure device also includes a second closure part associated to a second one of the assemblies, which includes an engaging element with at least one second engaging protrusion. The plug opening, as seen along a plane perpendicular to the closing direction, is delimited by at least one boundary portion in such a way that for closing the closure device the engaging element can be inserted into a space delimited by the at least one boundary portion.