Bayonet Locking Assembly With Auto-Locking Ring and Return Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bayonet assemblies provide robust locking but are ergonomically challenging due to the need for a rotation movement to ensure locking, which can be tedious for users.
Innovation Solution
A modular assembly with a ring and return system that allows for automatic locking and unlocking through translational movement, featuring a locking ramp and unlocking ramp design that facilitates connection and disconnection without requiring manual rotation of the ring, and an O-ring seal for sealing against liquids and dust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional bayonet locking system is used, then robust locking is achieved, but the operation becomes tedious due to required rotation movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional bayonet locking mechanism by replacing the required rotation movement with a translational sliding movement. The ring with inclined surfaces slides linearly along the connection axis, causing the locking pin to automatically engage with the locking ramp through the inclined plane mechanism, thereby achieving robust locking without rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the rotational mechanical system with a translational mechanical system. Instead of rotating the ring to engage locking surfaces, the ring translates linearly, and the inclined surfaces convert this translational motion into the necessary angular engagement of the locking pin with the locking ramp, replacing rotation with translation.
2Ease of operation
If a locking ramp mechanism is added to enable automatic locking, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring serves multiple functions: it provides the translational movement for locking, contains the inclined surfaces that guide the locking pin, and acts as the locking mechanism itself through its interaction with the locking ramp. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated locking components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin is nested within the ring structure, and the locking ramp is integrated into the housing. The inclined surfaces of the ring work in conjunction with the locking pin and ramp in a nested arrangement, allowing the locking mechanism to be compact and integrated rather than requiring separate distributed components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an O-ring seal is added for sealing, then resistance to liquids and dust is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The O-ring seal is a flexible thin film element that provides sealing between the first and second parts. Its flexibility allows it to conform to the mating surfaces and provide effective sealing against liquids and dust without requiring complex sealing structures or multiple rigid sealing components.
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 assembly achieves robust locking with reduced user effort, providing easy connection and disconnection while maintaining resistance to vibrations and ensuring sealing, thus enhancing ergonomics and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a return system (18) adapted to exert a return force R1 on the ring (16) towards a rest position of the ring relative to the first part (12)
Implementation Method 2
causes automatic movement (D2) of the ring (16) angularly in a first direction relative to the first part (12) between the rest position and an intermediate position of the ring
Implementation Method 3
causes a second sliding G2 of the pin (46) on the unlocking ramp (92), the unlocking ramp (92) reacting axially (force R2 shown on the figure 2) to move the first part (12) and the second part (14) axially away from each other
Implementation Method 4
an O-ring seal (22) fixed on the second part (14) and adapted to ensure sealing, in particular against liquids and dust, between the first part (12) and the second part (14)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An assembly comprising a first part (12) and a second part (14) movable about a connecting axis (D) between a locked and an unlocked configuration. The first part includes one rail (42) and one groove, and the second part includes the other. A ring (16) rotatably mounted on the first part forms a locking ramp and a housing. The second part defines a radially inward surface delimiting a housing (66) adapted to receive at least one part of the ring, and includes at least one pin (46) projecting into the housing. The first part includes a ring return mechanism.The locking ramp and the housing are configured so that a manual movement (D1) of the first part and the second part axially towards each other causes the pin to slide on the locking ramp, and an automatic movement of the ring angularly in a first direction and then in a second opposite direction, the pin being received and locked axially in the housing.