Bayonet Locking Assembly With Axial Push-to-Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bayonet assemblies offer robust locking but are ergonomically challenging due to the need for rotational movement to secure the parts, which can be tiresome for users.
Innovation Solution
A modular assembly with a rail and groove system, a rotating ring with a pin, and a return system that allows for axial translation and automatic locking/unlocking, eliminating the need for rotational movement by using a locking and unlocking ramp mechanism to facilitate easy connection and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotational movement is used to lock the two parts, then the locking is robust, but the ergonomics deteriorate due to the tiresome rotational movement required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional bayonet locking mechanism by replacing rotational movement with axial translation. Instead of rotating the ring to engage the pin with the housing, the user simply pushes the parts together axially, causing the pin to automatically engage with the housing through the action of locking ramps. This inversion eliminates the ergonomic drawback of rotational movement while preserving the robust locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through axial translation. When the user pushes the parts together axially, the locking ramps automatically guide the pin into engagement with the housing without requiring the user to perform any additional locking actions. The system serves itself by converting the simple axial pushing motion into the locking action, eliminating the need for manual rotation.
2Reliability
If a rotational bayonet system is used, then the locking is secure, but the operation becomes complex requiring rotational movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the operation by inverting the movement type from rotational to translational. The locking ramps are designed to convert the simple axial translation into the necessary pin engagement, reducing the operational complexity from requiring rotational movement to only requiring linear pushing motion, while maintaining locking security.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism automatically performs the locking action through the interaction of the locking ramps and pin during axial translation. The system self-regulates the engagement process, eliminating the need for the user to understand or execute complex rotational procedures, thereby reducing operational complexity.
3Ease of operation
If axial translation is used instead of rotation, then the ergonomics improve, but the locking mechanism must be redesigned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redesigns the locking mechanism by inverting the movement paradigm from rotational to translational. This requires redesigning the engagement features as locking ramps that guide the pin axially into the housing, rather than using traditional bayonet slots. The redesign enables ergonomic axial translation while achieving secure locking through the ramp-guided pin engagement.
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 provides robust locking while improving ergonomics by simplifying the connection and disconnection process, reducing user effort and enhancing usability through automatic locking and easy unlocking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a return system to exert a return force on the ring to pass to a position of rest
Data Source
AI summary
Assembly comprising a first part and a second part movable relative to each other in translation along a connection axis between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. The first part comprises one of a rail and a groove, and the second part comprises the other, the rail being configured to slide axially in the groove. The assembly comprises a ring rotatably mounted on the first part about the connection axis, the ring comprising at least one pin. The second part defines a locking ramp, a first housing and an unlocking ramp. The assembly comprises a return system for exerting a return force on the ring to a position of rest. The locking ramp and the first housing are so designed that a manual movement causes a first sliding of the pin on the locking ramp, and an automatic movement of the ring angularly in one direction between the position of rest and a first intermediate position, then an automatic displacement of the ring angularly in the opposite direction from the first intermediate position to a locking position under the action of the return system, the pin being received in the first housing, the first housing defining a first axial stop designed to block the pin axially. The unlocking ramp is so designed that a manual movement of the rotating ring in said direction from the locking position releases the pin from the first housing and causes a second sliding of the pin on the unlocking ramp, the unlocking ramp reacting axially on the pin to move the first part and the second part away from each other from the locked configuration.