Dual-Leg Lock Member for Rotary Connector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotary connector devices require multiple locking mechanisms to maintain rotational components in a centered position during shipment and assembly, leading to increased complexity and cost due to the need for intermediate rotations before final assembly.
Innovation Solution
A dual-purpose lock member with a first leg and a second leg that can be configured to prevent rotation by inserting into specific slots and pockets of the rotating and fixed members, allowing for temporary attachment and later conversion to a breakable configuration using a snapping element, reducing the need for multiple locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple locking pins or mechanisms are employed to maintain the device in a centered condition during multiple shipments and intermediate rotations, then the rotational components can be maintained in a centered position, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lock member is designed with dual functionality: it can temporarily engage with the rotor to prevent rotation during intermediate handling, and permanently engage with the stator for final assembly. This single component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate locking mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability across different operational phases
Solution Approach 2:
The lock member transitions between different engagement states - temporarily removable from the rotor during intermediate operations, then permanently fixed to the stator for final assembly. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same component to serve different locking purposes at different stages, eliminating the need for multiple static locking mechanisms
2Reliability
If multiple locking mechanisms are used for intermediate rotations and final assembly, then rotational components can be secured at each stage, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a single lock member that performs both temporary intermediate locking and permanent final assembly locking, the invention reduces component count and associated manufacturing costs. The dual-purpose design eliminates the need to manufacture, inventory, and assemble multiple different locking mechanisms, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining locking security
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple separate locking mechanisms into a single integrated lock member. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, directly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining the necessary locking security at both intermediate and final stages
3Reliability
If multiple pins or mechanisms are required for multiple shipments and intermediate rotations, then each shipping stage can be secured, but the time required for assembly and disassembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock member dynamically transitions between temporary and permanent engagement modes. During intermediate shipments, it can be quickly removed from the rotor and repositioned to the stator. This dynamic reconfigurability reduces the time required for assembly and disassembly compared to having multiple fixed locking mechanisms that would need to be individually managed at each stage
4Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then rotational components can be locked, but the number of components and assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lock member serves multiple locking functions - temporarily preventing rotor rotation during intermediate handling and permanently preventing rotation relative to the stator during final assembly. This single universal locking component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate locking mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining rotation prevention reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple locking functions into a single integrated lock member that can engage with both the rotor and stator. This merging of functions reduces the total number of locking components from multiple separate pins or mechanisms to just one versatile lock member, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining rotation prevention capability
Data Source
AI summary
A lock member for a rotary connector device includes a ring portion defining an aperture. Also included is a first leg. Further included is a second leg, wherein the lock member is moveable between a first configuration and a second configuration, the first configuration comprising the first leg disposed within a slot of a rotating member of the rotary connector device and the second leg disposed within a pocket of a fixed member of the rotary connector device, the second configuration comprising the second leg disposed within the slot of the rotating member and the first leg disposed within the pocket of the fixed member.