Decompression Lock Axial Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decompression locks lack an efficient mechanism to securely connect and disconnect components under varying pressures, often relying on spring-loaded mechanisms that may not adequately manage the release of holding forces.
Innovation Solution
A decompression lock design featuring a retaining bolt-like arrangement with a locking head and a retaining leaf spring arrangement, where the locking head has diametrically arranged recesses for spring-loaded retaining elements, allowing axial displacement upon pressure excess to release the holding position, and a threaded connection between shanks for adjustable engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-loaded retaining element is used to hold components together, then the holding force is sufficient to secure components, but the mechanism fails to reliably release when predetermined pressure is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional spring-loaded mechanism by replacing it with a cam-actuated retaining element. Instead of relying on spring force to hold and release components, the cam profile is designed to automatically transition the retaining element from a engaged to a disengaged state when predetermined pressure is applied, achieving reliable automatic release without complex spring mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the spring-loaded mechanical system with a cam-based mechanical system. The cam profile transforms the applied pressure into direct motion of the retaining element, substituting the elastic energy storage and release mechanism with a geometric transformation mechanism that provides more predictable and reliable release characteristics
2Adaptability or versatility
If a threaded connection between shanks is provided for adjustable engagement, then the adaptability to different component thicknesses is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection mechanism into two independent parts: a standardized cam-actuated retaining element for automatic engagement/release, and an adjustable threaded connection for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded connection serves multiple functions: it adjusts the position of the cam mechanism to accommodate different component thicknesses, provides structural support, and maintains alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional adjustment mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
3Extent of automation
If the retaining bolt-like arrangement is designed to be axially displaceable, then the automatic release under pressure is achieved, but the holding strength in the engaged state is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic cam profile that adapts its mechanical advantage based on the engagement state. When engaged, the cam profile geometry provides high mechanical advantage to maintain strong holding force. When predetermined pressure is applied, the same cam profile transitions to a different geometric configuration that enables automatic displacement and release, thus achieving both strong holding and automatic release
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
This design provides a secure holding mechanism that automatically releases under predetermined pressure, ensuring reliable connection and disconnection of components while allowing for adjustable engagement to accommodate different thicknesses, enhancing the operational efficiency and versatility of the decompression lock.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded retaining element of the second component of the locking arrangement, wherein the recess and the retaining element are designed such that when a predetermined pressure occurs on the side of the lower component (13), the retaining bolt-like arrangement (11, 12) can be displaced axially in the direction of the bolt head (5), releasing the retaining position, to release the holding position, the holding element (20) acted upon by spring force can be pressed out of the recess against the spring force
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~10
AI summary
The lock (1) has a retaining bolt-similar arrangement (6) comprising recesses (8-1, 8-2) for engaging spring force-subjected retaining elements (9-3, 9-4) of a component (9) of a locking arrangement (10) that fixes a retaining position. The recesses and the retaining elements are formed in such a manner that the arrangement is adjustable under release of the retaining position axially in a bolt head direction (R) with a pre-determined pressure on a side of an upper component (5). The retaining elements are pushed out against the force from the recesses for releasing the retaining position.