Compact Bolt-Sleeve Locking Structure for Tight Installation Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Locking apparatuses in battery assembly occupy a large installation space, requiring high installation conditions.
Innovation Solution
A locking apparatus with a housing, bolt, sleeve, restraint member, and elastic member, where the elastic member is positioned between the first wall and the sleeve, reducing the axial size of the bolt and utilizing space efficiently, and featuring a transmission fit and circumferential lock to facilitate assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the elastic member is arranged between the flange face of the bolt and the sleeve, then the locking apparatus achieves reliable locking, but the axial size increases and installation space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is repositioned from the axial direction (between flange face and sleeve) to the radial direction (between housing wall and sleeve). This dimensional change allows the elastic force to be applied perpendicular to the bolt axis, maintaining locking reliability while reducing the axial length of the locking apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member is arranged within the housing structure, nesting it between the housing wall and the sleeve. This nested arrangement utilizes the existing housing space radially, eliminating the need for additional axial space that would be required if the elastic member were positioned between the flange face and sleeve.
2Reliability
If the locking apparatus is designed with traditional structure, then the locking function is achieved, but the installation space requirement is large
Solution Approach 1:
The overall structure transitions from an axial extension design to a radial compression design. By moving the elastic member to the radial direction and having it press the sleeve against the bolt, the locking apparatus achieves compact axial dimensions while maintaining effective locking through radial force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the direction of the elastic force from axial to radial, and modifies the engagement geometry between components. The sleeve engages the bolt through radial compression rather than axial positioning, fundamentally changing the spatial parameters of the locking mechanism.
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 design reduces the installation space required, allowing for flexible installation in various environments and ensuring a firm connection with nuts.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member, arranged inside the housing and configured to apply an axial elastic force on the sleeve such that the sleeve and the restraint member are joined
Data Source
AI summary
A locking apparatus may include: a housing including a first wall, where the first wall may be provided with a first opening; a bolt arranged inside the housing and penetrating out of the first opening; a sleeve arranged inside the housing and fitting around the bolt, where the sleeve and the bolt may be circumferentially locked and relatively movable in an axial direction; a restraint structure fixed at the housing to prevent the sleeve from departing from the housing in a direction leaving the first wall; and an elastic structure arranged inside the housing to apply an axial elastic force on the sleeve such that the sleeve and the restraint structure may be joined, where the restraint structure may be configured to circumferentially lock the sleeve when being joined with the sleeve; where two ends of the elastic structure may respectively abut against the first wall and the sleeve.