Closure Elements for Tool-Free Securing of Drive Means Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing connecting elements against unauthorized loosening are complex, often requiring tools and materials that can damage components or are not compatible with standardized drive means openings.
Innovation Solution
A closure element with geometric projections that forms a frictional connection with the drive means opening, allowing manual insertion and secure fastening without tools, using materials like thermoplastics or duroplastics that adapt to the drive means opening shape, ensuring a reliable fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If embedding material is hammered into the drive means opening using an impact tool, then the drive means opening is closed and secured against loosening, but the installation process becomes complex and requires specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the closure function from complex multi-step processes involving impact tools and embedding materials. Instead, a simple closure element with geometric projections is used that can be manually inserted and secured through friction alone, eliminating the need for impact tools and complex installation procedures while maintaining security against loosening
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element is designed to be self-securing through its geometric projections that create frictional connection with the drive means opening. The element serves itself by automatically securing against loosening through the frictional engagement of its projections with the opening contours, without requiring external impact tools or additional fastening steps
2Reliability
If a threaded closure element is screwed into the drive means opening, then the opening is closed and secured, but compatibility is limited to specific standardized forms
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is designed with geometric projections that can adapt to various drive means opening forms (hexagonal, cross, Torx, etc.). The projections are configured to create frictional engagement with different contour shapes, making the single closure element design universally compatible with multiple standardized drive means forms while maintaining secure closure
3Reliability
If cold forming is used to press a sealing element into the drive means opening, then the opening is closed, but excessive material displacement occurs beyond the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the sealing element and cold forming process entirely. Instead, the closure element itself with its geometric projections creates a frictional mechanical connection that provides both closure and sealing function, eliminating material displacement issues while maintaining the seal
4Reliability
If manual adjustment of sealing material amount is performed, then the drive means opening can be closed, but the process is time-consuming and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is pre-configured with geometric projections designed to automatically create the optimal frictional connection with the drive means opening. The projections are predetermined in size and shape to ensure effective closure without requiring manual adjustment during installation, reducing installation time while maintaining reliability
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 simplifies the installation process, reduces the need for tools and material displacement, and provides a flexible, efficient method for securing connecting elements, enhancing worker safety and reducing installation time while ensuring a secure fit.
Implementation Method 1
The closure element (30; 30') is inserted into the drive means opening (O) parallel to its longitudinal axis (L) without the use of tools and can only be fastened therein via a frictional connection
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a closure member of a drive means opening of a connector. In addition, the present invention discloses an installation holding element with a plurality of closure elements of the drive means opening of a connection element, wherein the closure elements can be installed manually without tools in the drive means opening of the connection element. For this purpose, the installation holding element has a holding element, a gripping area and a plurality of closure elements arranged on the holding element.