Bayonet Coupling Assembly With Locking And Biasing Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling assemblies fail to provide a quick, tool-free, and secure mechanical connection with a seal between devices like antennas and radios, often requiring complex manual manipulations and lacking effective sealing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly featuring a top plate with a slot, a bottom plate with a locking and biasing arm, and an outer rim that secures with fasteners, allowing a bayonet to be locked in place with a biasing force, forming a hermetic seal and enabling easy assembly and disassembly through controlled rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a quick coupling assembly is designed to enable rapid connection without tools, then assembly speed and ease of operation are improved, but the reliability and security of the mechanical connection may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly incorporates a bayonet mechanism with a locking arm that automatically engages and locks the bayonet in place upon insertion and rotation, eliminating the need for manual manipulation or additional fastening steps. The system self-secures through the inherent mechanical interaction between the bayonet's angled insertion path and the locking arm's engagement feature, providing both quick assembly and reliable connection security simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly transitions from an unlocked state during insertion to a locked state through a rotational motion. The locking arm dynamically moves from a retracted position that allows bayonet insertion to an engaged position that prevents removal, enabling the connection to evolve from easy insertion to secure locking through a simple rotational action
2Reliability
If a coupling assembly uses a locking mechanism to secure the connection, then connection security is improved, but the complexity of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm is integrated directly into the bottom plate of the coupling assembly, combining the locking function with the structural support function of the bottom plate. This merging eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms or additional components, achieving reliable connection security while maintaining simple assembly structure
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom plate serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the locking arm mechanism, and facilitates the locking action. The locking arm itself performs both the locking function and guides the bayonet during insertion. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components and simplifies the assembly while ensuring secure connection
3Ease of operation
If a coupling assembly is designed for quick release and reassembly, then ease of operation is improved, but the durability and reliability of repeated connections may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly uses a dynamic locking arm that can be easily actuated to release the bayonet lock. The locking arm's resilient nature allows it to flex during the release process, enabling quick disassembly through simple manual manipulation. This dynamic design accommodates repeated connection and disconnection cycles while maintaining structural integrity and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arm is designed with resilient properties that absorb the mechanical stresses of repeated insertion, rotation, and release cycles. This beforehand cushioning through material resilience protects the connection mechanism from wear and fatigue, ensuring durability over many operational cycles while maintaining ease of operation
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 enables a rapid, secure mechanical connection and seal between devices with minimal manual effort, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, while maintaining a hermetic seal against environmental contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
the biasing arm preventing the bayonet, by interference with biasing arm, from being withdrawn axially along the connection axis
Implementation Method 2
the locking arm preventing the bayonet, by interference with locking arm, from rotating about the connection axis back into alignment with the slot
Implementation Method 3
the locking arm and/or the biasing arm are resiliently flex or bend to allow bayonet to move between the slot and the region
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling assembly for a first device having a bayonet is provided. The coupling assembly includes a top plate, a bottom plate, and first fasteners securing the top and bottom plates to one another. The top plate having a slot along a connection axis, where the slot receives the bayonet. The bottom plate has a locking arm in axial alignment with the slot and a biasing arm in a region that is radially offset from the locking arm. The region of the bottom plate receives the bayonet, when in a locked position, with the locking arm preventing the bayonet, by interference with locking arm, from rotating about the connection axis back into alignment with the slot and with the biasing arm preventing the bayonet, by interference with biasing arm, from being withdrawn axially along the connection axis.