Adjustable Strut Locking Mechanism for Rapid Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjustable struts used for bracing unstable structures face issues with separation during transport and cumbersome operation due to loose connections and non-intuitive locking mechanisms, leading to time loss in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a locking mechanism with a cylindrical shaft, cam channel, and compression element that securely couples the outer housing to the cylindrical extendable member, allowing for fast and intuitive adjustment from a collapsed to an extended position, preventing separation and facilitating quick deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the first structural member is loosely-positioned within the second structural member in the contracted position, then the strut allows easy adjustment between contracted and extended positions, but the structural members may be inadvertently separated during transport
Solution Approach 1:
A locking mechanism acts as an intermediary component between the first structural member and second structural member. This mechanism includes a lockable element that can engage with a locking feature to securely couple the members together during transport, while allowing easy disengagement when adjustment is needed. The intermediary locking mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing both secure connection and easy release capability.
2Reliability
If the two structural members are locked together in the contracted position, then separation during transport is prevented, but the locking mechanism operation is not readily intuitive or sufficiently fast for disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking feature is extracted as a separate, distinct component from the main structural members. This allows the locking mechanism to be designed independently for optimal performance - with a simple operational interface that can be easily engaged and disengaged. The separated locking feature can be operated independently without complex interactions, making the mechanism intuitive and fast to operate while maintaining reliable connection when locked.
3Reliability
If the structural members are locked together, then inadvertent sliding is prevented, but the locking mechanism adds complexity to the strut design
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through automatic engagement features. When the first structural member is inserted into the second structural member, the locking mechanism automatically engages without requiring additional components or complex assembly steps. The design uses self-aligning features and automatic latching that reduce the number of separate components needed, thereby maintaining position stability while minimizing added complexity to the overall strut design.
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 ensures the adjustable strut remains securely connected during transport and can be rapidly extended for structural bracing, reducing time loss and enhancing usability in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
a cam channel for receiving a pin that is rigidly-coupled to the outer housing
Implementation Method 2
a compression element sandwiched between the base plate and an upper plate along the cylindrical shaft. As such, rotation of the cylindrical extendable member relative to the outer housing causes the pin to travel along the cam channel to a lock position, and simultaneously urges the base plate towards the upper plate, thereby compressing the compression element, and exerting a retention force on the pin
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable strut having a locking mechanism configured to removably-secure a pair of telescopic structural members to one another when positioned in a contracted configuration for transport and storage. Further, the locking mechanism allows for fast and intuitive unlocking of the pair of telescopic structural members for adjustment of a length of the strut for structural bracing.