Blow-Molded Plastic Interconnection With Deforming Locking Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blow-molded plastic structures lack a secure locking mechanism for interconnecting components, relying on friction fits which are inadequate for applications like pool ladders that require enhanced security, and often require additional interconnection devices like rods or screws for assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A blow-molded plastic female interconnection system featuring a receiving section with a locking projection on its back wall, allowing the male interconnect to deform and securely interlock without the need for external locking mechanisms or additional devices, providing a stable and secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction fits are used for interconnecting components, then assembly is simple, but connection security and stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: a receiving section with a floor aperture and locking projection, and a male interconnect with insertion and locking sections. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The male interconnect is nested within the receiving section during assembly. The insertion section passes through the floor aperture and into the locking section, with the locking section being received within the receiving section's cavity, creating a nested configuration that secures the connection.
2Reliability
If additional interconnection devices like rods or screws are used, then connection security is improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism merges the securing function into the blow-molded components themselves. The locking projection on the receiving section and the corresponding locking section on the male interconnect work together as an integrated system, eliminating the need for separate fasteners like screws or rods.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnection system is self-contained and self-securing. The deformation mechanism automatically locks the male interconnect in place through the interaction between the locking projection and locking section, without requiring external fasteners or complex assembly tools.
3Reliability
If deformation mechanism is used for locking, then secure connection is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism utilizes changes in the physical state and geometric parameters of the polymeric material during deformation. As the male interconnect is inserted, the locking projection deforms the material, changing its shape and creating a locked position that resists removal forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the composite nature of blow-molded polymeric structures, combining the rigidity needed for structural support with the deformability required for the locking mechanism. The material properties are engineered to allow controlled deformation during assembly while maintaining strength in the final locked state.
4Productivity
If immediate locking system is used, then assembly speed is improved, but secure locking is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving section is pre-configured with the floor aperture and locking projection in the correct positions during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the male interconnect to be quickly inserted and locked without requiring complex alignment procedures during assembly, achieving both speed and security.
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 secure assembly and disassembly of blow-molded structures without damaging components, eliminating the need for additional interconnection devices and ensuring stability and safety in applications like pool ladders.
Implementation Method 1
When the male interconnect is being pushed into the locking section, the locking projection deforms due to the locking sections no back wall
Data Source
AI summary
A blow-molded plastic female interconnection system has a receiving section and a locking section. The receiving section receives a male interconnect. The receiving section has a floor aperture shaped to allow the corresponding male interconnect be pushed into the locking section. The floor aperture can have various shapes depending on the shape of the male interconnect. Within the receiving section is a locking projection on the receiving section's back wall and the locking projection has a bottom section that defines a portion of the ceiling of the locking section which has no back wall. When the male interconnect is being pushed into the locking section, the locking projection deforms due to the locking sections no back wall. When the male interconnect is below the locking projection, the locking projection bottom section is positioned on the male interconnect to securely interconnect the male and female units.