Automotive Air Pressure Locking Ring Torque Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for providing air under pressure to automotive vehicle subsystems, such as braking and suspension systems, require specialized tools for cartridge installation and removal, which can be costly and difficult for mechanics to manage over time.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a bayonet ring with angularly offset abutment zones and pins allows for easy rotation and locking/unlocking of cartridges using a screwdriver, eliminating the need for dedicated tools by distributing torque effectively through a volume defined by the ring and collar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cartridge is provided with threads for screwing onto a base member, then the cartridge can be securely mounted, but a dedicated strap wrench is required to tighten and untighten the cartridge, increasing device complexity and making maintenance difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring integrates multiple functions: it provides locking engagement with the base member, serves as a torque distribution element, and acts as a universal interface for common elongated tools. By replacing the threaded connection with a locking ring that can be operated by any elongated tool, the system eliminates the need for dedicated strap wrenches while maintaining secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring acts as an intermediary element between the cartridge and the base member. Instead of directly threading the cartridge onto the base member, the locking ring mediates the connection, providing both mechanical engagement and a interface for tool application. This intermediary structure enables secure mounting while allowing operation with common tools.
2Ease of manufacture
If a ring is tightened on a base member by hand during manufacturing, then assembly is simple, but a mechanics cannot exert sufficient torque by hand to untighten or efficiently tighten the ring after months or years of use
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves from direct hand operation in one dimension to tool-assisted operation by extending the lever arm in another dimension. The locking ring's geometry allows insertion of an elongated tool that provides extended leverage, enabling sufficient torque to be applied during maintenance without changing the initial hand-tightening capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static hand-tightening mechanism to a dynamic tool-assisted mechanism. The locking ring is designed to accommodate both hand operation during assembly and tool operation during maintenance, with the tool providing variable leverage based on the operational phase. This dynamic adaptability resolves the torque limitation during maintenance.
3Ease of operation
If notches or holes are provided on a cartridge for engagement with a hook wrench or stem, then the cartridge can be driven in rotation, but these elements increase the cost of the cartridge and can be disturbing for mechanics
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation interface is segmented from the cartridge body and placed on the separate locking ring. Instead of adding notches or holes to the cartridge, the locking ring carries the engagement features for the elongated tool. This segmentation allows the cartridge to remain simple while the locking ring provides the necessary rotation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation interface elements are extracted from the cartridge and relocated to the locking ring. By removing the need for notches or holes in the cartridge, the design simplifies the cartridge structure while maintaining rotation capability through the locking ring's engagement features with the elongated tool.
4Power
If the minimum radial distance between abutment zones is large, then torque can be effectively distributed, but the volume defined by the locking ring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring's geometry parameters are optimized to achieve effective torque distribution within a compact volume. By adjusting the radial distance between abutment zones and the angular offset, the design balances torque distribution effectiveness with minimal volume, allowing efficient power transmission without excessive size.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
This device (1 ) provides air under pressure to a subsystem of an automotive vehicle. It comprises a base member (2) and a cartridge (3) immobilized onto said base member by a locking ring (4). The locking ring (4) defines a volume (V4) adapted to accommodate an elongated member (51 ) having its main direction (X51) tangential with respect to a circle (CG) centered on an axis of rotation (X4) of the ring. This volume (V4) is defined between at least a first surface (411 ) and at least a second surface (421 ). Each of these surfaces (411, 421 ) is adapted to form an abutment zone (P1, P2) for an elongated member (51 ) introduced within the volume (V4).