Modular Quick Release Connector with Cam-Actuated Ball Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current quick release connections are not easily reconfigurable for diverse applications, have inefficient size, weight, and ergonometry, high production costs, and limited modular flexibility, making them unsuitable for various manufacturing sectors and environmental needs.
Innovation Solution
A versatile and modular quick release connection system composed of few parts, featuring a female and male component with a locking/unlocking mechanism using balls and a cam element, allowing easy reconfiguration and recycling, with a safety system to ensure irreversible locking/unlocking positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current quick release connection designs are used, then basic locking function is achieved, but reconfigurability for diverse applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The quick release connection is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different ball sizes and configurations, allowing a single device type to serve multiple applications across various manufacturing sectors. The standardized female component with adjustable ball positioning enables the same connection system to adapt to different structural requirements without needing multiple specialized connection types.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into modular components: a standardized female component, interchangeable male components, and adjustable ball positioning mechanisms. This segmentation allows individual parts to be replaced or reconfigured independently, enabling easy adaptation to different applications while maintaining a simple overall system architecture.
2Weight of moving object
If traditional quick release connections are used, then locking function is provided, but size, weight, and encumbrance are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The connection design optimizes parameters such as ball diameter, cam lever dimensions, and material properties to achieve the minimum weight necessary for reliable operation. The female component is designed with precise wall thickness and reinforcement only where structurally necessary, reducing unnecessary material while maintaining mechanical resistance and locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection components utilize composite material construction, combining materials with different properties to achieve optimal strength-to-weight ratios. The female component may use reinforced polymers or metal-composite structures that provide high mechanical resistance with minimal weight, while the balls and cam elements use materials optimized for friction and wear characteristics.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing quick release systems are used, then basic operation is achieved, but production costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into single components to reduce the total number of parts. The female component integrates the body, ball positioning mechanism, and locking interface into one piece. The cam lever combines the unlocking action, ball retraction, and locking engagement functions. This merging simplifies manufacturing and assembly while reducing part count and production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
A standardized female component design serves as a universal base that can work with various male component configurations. This universality allows for economies of scale in manufacturing the common female component, reducing per-unit costs while still providing adaptability for different applications through interchangeable male components and ball positioning.
4Adaptability or versatility
If prior art quick release connections are used, then locking mechanism is provided, but modular flexibility is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into independently configurable modules: the female component with adjustable ball positions, various male component types, and interchangeable locking mechanisms. This segmentation enables modular assembly where only the necessary components are combined, providing flexibility without overwhelming complexity in operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball positioning mechanism within the female component is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the operator to reposition balls along predetermined guides during assembly. This dynamic configurability provides modular flexibility while maintaining simple operation, as the adjustment mechanism is integrated into the assembly process rather than requiring separate complex procedures.
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 efficient reconfiguration of modular structural systems across different sectors with reduced production costs and extended working life, while ensuring mechanical resistance and environmental adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one cam element 2, preferably received in the body 1, and inserted around the balls 8, such cam element 2 being rotating on the balls 8 themselves to generate the locking/unlocking movement
Implementation Method 2
The main body 1 can further comprise at least one dampening system composed of one or more springs 7 to provide an efficient elastic pre-load
Implementation Method 3
such cam element 2 being rotating on the balls 8 themselves to generate the locking/unlocking movement and for passing such balls 8 from their first operating position to their second operating position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A quick release connection (100) is described, comprising at least one female component (101) and at least one male component (103) adapted to be fastened to and unfastened from the female component (101), the female component (101) comprising at least one insertion seat (105) of the male component (103) inside which the male component (103) is blocked through a plurality of balls (8) going out at least partially from an internal wall of the seat (105), the balls (8) being able to pass by interposing at least one locking/unlocking system and actuating at least one control means from a first operating locking position, in which the balls (8) keep the male component (103) inside the insertion seat (105) to a second operating unlocking position, in which the balls (8) allow extracting the male component (103) from the insertion seat (105), and vice versa.