Presentation Doll Latching Joint for Secure Tool-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices for presentation mannequins, such as bayonet locks and magnetic connections, are prone to unintentional release during handling, are costly, and pose a risk of injury due to strong magnetic forces, while also being difficult to operate when covered by clothing.
Innovation Solution
A structurally simple connecting device using a latching mechanism with prestressed elements, such as spring-loaded balls, that secures limbs to the torso without tools, allowing adjustable positioning and easy release without additional locks, made from metal and plastic materials for stability and low-maintenance production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If simple plug-in connections are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the limbs are unintentionally separated during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into two separate connecting parts: one integrated into the limb and another into the torso. This segmentation allows each part to have optimized functions while maintaining overall simplicity and reliability of the connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The prestressed element (spring-loaded ball) is pre-loaded into the plug-in projection before the actual connection is made. This preliminary action ensures that when the receiving opening and plug-in projection engage, the connection is immediately secured with reliable locking force, preventing unintentional separation.
2Reliability
If bayonet locks are used, then the connection is secured against unintentional release, but the device is expensive to produce and difficult to operate when covered by clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The complex bayonet lock mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simpler prestressed element system. The essential function of secure locking is retained through the spring-loaded ball engaging with the plug-in projection, while eliminating the rotational locking mechanism that caused operational difficulty and high production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting parts are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured from standard materials. The prestressed element provides reliable locking without requiring expensive precision-machined bayonet lock mechanisms, making the overall device more cost-effective.
3Reliability
If magnetic connections are used, then the limbs are secured from unintentional separation, but the production cost is high and there is a risk of injury from strong magnetic forces
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic connection system is replaced with a mechanical prestressed element system. The spring-loaded ball provides reliable locking through mechanical engagement with the plug-in projection, eliminating the need for magnets and thereby removing the associated injury risks and high production costs while maintaining security against unintentional separation.
4Reliability
If additional locks are added to prevent unintentional release, then the connection security is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged into the basic plug-in connection structure itself. The prestressed element is integrated within the connecting parts, so that the act of inserting the limb automatically engages the locking mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate additional locks and maintains operational simplicity while ensuring connection security.
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 provides a secure, tool-free connection that prevents unintentional loosening during handling, is cost-effective, and safe from injury risks, with adjustable strength and easy detachment for dressing and undressing, while maintaining stability under mechanical load.
Implementation Method 1
The prestressed element is designed in such a way that the plug-in projection can be inserted into the receiving opening and retained by the prestressed element
Implementation Method 2
prestressed elements, such as spring-loaded balls
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The connecting device has two connecting units (1,2), where one of the connecting units has a plug projection (4) and the other connecting unit has a support opening (3) for the plug projection. The plug projection is protected by a rest unit in the support opening. The plug projection is made from metal. The base of the connecting units is made from plastic.