Cam Latch for Parabolic Dish Antenna Reflector Petals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms for affixing and disassembling parabolic dish antenna reflector petals fail to achieve a balance between maintaining structural accuracy and ease of assembly/disassembly, while also being resistant to movement and handling.
Innovation Solution
A latch system comprising a primary block with a locking cam and cam track, a locking stem, and a secondary block with a cam channel, allowing for secure engagement and easy release of reflector petals, utilizing a cam pin and stem head mechanism for locking and unlocking positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanism is designed to rigidly engage reflector petals to maintain structural accuracy, then the reliability and stability improve, but the ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system where the locking stem can move between locked and unlocked positions. The cam track with sloped surface allows controlled movement of the locking stem, enabling easy transition between assembly states while maintaining rigid engagement when locked
Solution Approach 2:
The locking stem acts as an intermediary element between the locking cam and the reflector petals. It translates the rotational motion of the locking cam into linear movement, providing a mechanical advantage that enables easy locking and unlocking while maintaining secure engagement
2Strength
If a locking mechanism is designed to be resistant to movement and handling, then the strength and stability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated locking mechanism. The locking cam, locking stem, cam track, and head receiver work together as one cohesive system, eliminating the need for separate locking components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining strength
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: securing reflector petals during transport, maintaining structural accuracy during operation, and enabling easy assembly and disassembly. The cam-based system provides both locking strength and operational versatility
3Ease of operation
If a latch system is designed for easy closure and release, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability of secure engagement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cam track incorporates a sloped surface that converts rotational motion into linear movement of the locking stem. This curved path provides mechanical advantage, allowing easy rotation of the locking cam while ensuring the locking stem moves sufficiently to engage securely with the head receiver
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 latch system provides a secure and easy-to-use solution for assembling and disassembling reflector petals, maintaining structural integrity while facilitating transportation and storage, with potential applications in various closure devices requiring sturdy yet easy-to-use connections.
Implementation Method 1
A cam pin is coupled to the locking stem. The cam pin slidably engages the sloped surface of the cam track for displacing the locking stem between an extended position and a retracted position during rotation of the locking cam.
Data Source
AI summary
A latch for coupling a first object to a second object is disclosed comprises a primary block coupled to the first object. A locking cam is rotatably coupled to the primary block. A cam track having a sloped surface is in the locking cam. A locking stem slideably engages the primary block and traverses the locking cam. A cam pin is coupled to the locking stem. The cam pin slidably engages the sloped surface for displacing the locking stem between an extended position and a retracted position. A stem head is coupled to the cam pin. A secondary block is coupled to the second object. A cam channel is in the secondary block for receiving the locking stem. A head receiver is in the secondary block for engaging the stem head. The extended position defines an unlocked position and the retracted position defines a locked position.