Quick Disconnect Ball Socket Tool-Free Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball and socket connections require external tools for releasing the socket connection, which is inconvenient and complicates the design of piston-cylinder units used in vehicle hatch mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained coupling member with a sliding element and C-shaped spring mechanism that allows the ball to be released without external tools, where the sliding element moves from a first to a second position to draw the spring ends out of the socket, enabling one-hand operation and automatic return to the locked position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a C-shaped spring with ends locking the ball in the socket is used, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because external tools are required for release
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism serves itself by using the sliding element to directly actuate the spring ends through the slots. When the sliding element moves, it pushes the spring ends out of the socket, enabling tool-free release. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external prying tools while maintaining the secure locked position during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static locked position to a dynamic release process. The sliding element provides dynamic control over the spring ends, allowing them to be pushed in and out of the socket. This dynamic mechanism enables easy release operation while maintaining reliable connection during the locked state.
2Ease of operation
If a recess for prying tool insertion is provided in the body, then the ease of operation is improved for tool-based release, but the device complexity increases due to additional structural requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring a separate prying tool and recess structure, the sliding element itself performs the release function. The sliding element's movement directly actuates the spring ends, eliminating the need for tool insertion recesses and reducing structural complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The release function is extracted from the body structure and integrated into the sliding element. This removes the need for recesses in the body and simplifies the overall structure, as the sliding element handles both the actuation and release functions without requiring additional structural features.
3Ease of operation
If the piston-cylinder unit design accounts for prying tool access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member releases itself without requiring external tools or special access design. The sliding element integrated into the coupling member directly actuates the spring ends, eliminating the need for design considerations related to tool access and reducing overall design complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism is merged with the coupling member structure itself. The sliding element is integrated into the body, and its movement directly controls the spring ends. This merging eliminates the need for separate tool access design and simplifies the overall piston-cylinder unit 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
Enables easy and tool-free release of the ball from the socket, simplifying the operation and design of piston-cylinder units by integrating a self-contained release mechanism, enhancing usability and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
a C-shaped spring having two ends and a center section disposed between the two ends. The ends of the spring are received through the slots and project into the socket for holding the mounting ball in the socket
Implementation Method 2
The sliding element is wedge-shaped and comprises an inclined surface having a proximal end and a distal end. The inclined surface of the sliding element interacts with the center section of the spring by raising the center section of the spring when the sliding member moves to the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling member for pivotally coupling an end of a device to a mounting ball includes a body connectable to an end of the device and defines a socket for receiving a mounting ball. The body further includes slots communicating with the socket. A sliding element arranged in a longitudinal groove of the body is movable from a first position to a second position. A C-shaped spring has two ends and a center section, the ends being received through the slots and projecting into the socket for holding the mounting ball in the socket. The sliding element interacts with the center section of the spring when the sliding element is moved to the second position so that the ends of the spring are drawn out from the socket to release the mounting ball from the socket, whereby the mounting ball is releasable from the socket without external tools.