Coil Locking Mechanism With Freewheel Tensioning and Secure Hold

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closure devices fail to provide a reliable method for both detachable connection and clamping of assemblies, lacking a mechanism to efficiently tension components relative to each other.

Innovation Solution

A closure device comprising two interlocking parts with a winding element and actuating mechanism, allowing for the winding and unwinding of a tension element, which can be rotated to secure or release the assembly, utilizing engagement devices and toothing systems for secure hold and freewheel functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a closure device uses simple attachment mechanisms, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of connection and tensioning capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidreliability of connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a closure mechanism with a tensioning mechanism into a single integrated device. The closure parts not only attach to each other but also incorporate a winding element that can tension a tension element between assemblies, resolving the contradiction by merging two functions (closure and tensioning) that were previously separate devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure device serves multiple functions: it provides detachable connection between assemblies, enables tensioning of components relative to each other, and allows for easy adjustment and release. This multi-functionality addresses the contradiction by making a single device that both securely connects and actively tensions assemblies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a closure device incorporates both closure and tensioning functions, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The winding element is rotatably mounted on the first closure part, nesting the tensioning mechanism within the closure structure. The tension element passes through or around the winding element, creating a compact nested arrangement that provides versatile functionality without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is divided into distinct functional components: closure parts for connection, a winding element for tensioning, and a tension element for applying force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall versatility without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the winding element is freely rotatable, then ease of adjustment is improved, but secure hold capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adjustmentVSAvoidsecure hold
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement devices transition between engaged and disengaged states dynamically. When engaged, they provide a secure hold preventing rotation; when disengaged, they allow free rotation for adjustment. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction by providing both secure holding and easy adjustment at different operational phases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If engagement devices are always engaged, then secure hold is improved, but ease of release deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure holdVSAvoidease of release
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The closure parts are designed to automatically engage with each other when brought together, and the engagement devices automatically disengage when the closure parts are separated. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual engagement or disengagement operations, resolving the contradiction by providing secure hold during use while enabling easy release through simple separation of closure parts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 secure, detachable connection and tensioning of assemblies, allowing for easy adjustment and release, while maintaining a secure hold through magnetic attraction and mechanical engagement.

Implementation Method 1

at least one magnetic element, which, when the closure parts are placed against each other, are magnetically attracted to close the closure device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3915425B1Locking device with a coil element
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 FIDLOCK GMBH
  • EP3915425B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3915425B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3915425B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A locking device (1) comprises a first locking part (2) and a second locking part (3), which can be attached to one another along a closing direction (X), are held against each other in a closed position, and can be separated from each other to open the locking device (1). The second locking part (3) has an actuating element (34) with a first engagement device (345) and a winding element (35) arranged on the actuating element (34), which is rotatable in a winding direction (V) for winding a pull element (4) and has a second engagement device (355). The first engagement device (345) and the second engagement device (355) are not engaged with each other in a release position, so that the winding element (35) is rotatable relative to the actuating element (34), and can be brought into engagement with each other so that, in an engagement position, the winding element (35) is rotatable via the actuating element (34).wherein the first locking part (2) has a first toothing device (25) and the second locking part (3) has a second toothing device (351) and the first toothing device (25) and the second toothing device (351) engage with each other in the closed position of the locking device (1) such that the first locking part (2) and the second locking part (3) are held positively to each other along the winding direction (V).