Ball Pin Connector Tool-Free Operation via Rotational Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball pin connectors require tools for simple operation, such as connecting or removing a ball pin, which complicates their use in applications like automotive gear shift systems.
Innovation Solution
The ball pin connector features circumferentially distributed projecting surface structures on the housing and ball bearing, allowing for a small rotational movement to transition between engaged and disengaged states, enabling tool-free operation by utilizing guiding surfaces for incremental rotational movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional ball pin connectors are designed with simple housing and ball bearing structures, then manufacturing is easier and device complexity is reduced, but operation requires tools and becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The housing and ball bearing are equipped with localized cooperating surface structures (protrusions and recesses) at specific positions. These localized features enable tool-free rotational operation while the rest of the structure remains simple and easy to manufacture. The inwardly directed wall portion is also a localized feature that provides automatic locking without complicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball bearing is designed to be axially movable between different positions (lower position for locking, upper position for insertion/removal). This dynamic capability allows the connector to switch between locked and unlocked states through simple axial movement combined with rotation, enabling tool-free operation while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the ball bearing is always held in the locked lower position, then the ball pin connection is secure and reliable, but insertion and removal of ball pins becomes difficult requiring tools
Solution Approach 1:
The ball bearing can dynamically switch between two axial positions: lower position where it engages the inwardly directed wall portion for secure locking, and upper position where it is lifted off the wall portion to allow ball pin insertion and removal. The spring provides automatic return to the locked position after operation, ensuring reliability is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-loaded to automatically push the ball bearing to the lower locked position. This preliminary action ensures that after ball pin insertion or removal, the ball bearing automatically returns to the secure locked position without requiring user intervention or tools, thus maintaining connection security.
3Ease of operation
If the ball bearing lower wall portions are free to flex outwardly, then ball pin insertion is easier, but the ball pin may become loose and fall out
Solution Approach 1:
The ball bearing wall portions dynamically change their flexibility state based on axial position. In the upper position, the wall portions are free to flex outwardly to facilitate ball pin insertion. In the lower locked position, the wall portions are supported by the inwardly directed wall portion and become rigid to prevent ball pin removal, thus ensuring retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical state (flexibility/rigidity) of the ball bearing wall portions changes based on their axial position. When the ball bearing is in the upper position, the walls are flexible allowing insertion. When moved to the lower position by the spring, the walls become rigid and supported, preventing loosening and ensuring reliable ball pin retention.
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
This design allows for easy mounting and dismounting of ball pins without tools, ensuring secure engagement and disengagement through a simple rotational mechanism, enhancing usability and efficiency in applications like automotive gear shift systems.
Implementation Method 1
a spring acting between the housing and the ball bearing is urging the latter to the lower locking position
Implementation Method 2
an elastic ball bearing received therein... in which the wall portions surrounding its opening at the lower end are free to flex outwardly
Data Source
AI summary
A ball pin connector includes a sleeve-like housing having a cavity with an elastic ball bearing. The elastic ball bearing is axially moveable between a lifted up position, and a lower locking position. Cooperating surface structures are provided on an inner wall of the housing and on an outer wall of the elastic ball bearing as a plurality of projecting surface structures arranged circumferentially distributed with gaps in between such that in a first rotational state of the elastic ball bearing within the housing the projecting surface structures are aligned to be able to come into engagement such that the elastic ball bearing is held in the lifted up position, and such that in a second rotational state of the elastic ball bearing the projecting surface structures of the elastic ball bearing are aligned with gaps of the projecting surface structures of the housing.