Dual-Protrusion Connecting Structure to Prevent Reverse Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connecting structures for locking together first and second members can be easily released by rotating the connected portions in the reverse direction, leading to unexpected uncoupling.

Innovation Solution

A connecting structure that ensures the first member and second member remain locked by utilizing a second protruding portion and second fitting portion, which prevent separation by engaging securely once the first protruding portion is fitted into the first fitting portion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single protrusion and fitting structure is used to connect two members, then the connection can be formed easily, but the locked state can be easily released by rotating the connected portions in the reverse direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of connectionVSAvoidreliability of locked state
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection structure is segmented into two distinct functional elements: a first protrusion/first fitting portion for establishing the connection, and a second protrusion/second fitting portion for maintaining the locked state. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability of the locked state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first protrusion and first fitting portion perform the preliminary action of establishing the connection between the two members. Once this connection is established, the second protrusion and second fitting portion then engage to prevent reverse rotation and maintain the locked state. This preliminary action sequence ensures easy connection formation while subsequently providing reliable locking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a protrusion is designed to engage with a fitting portion to prevent separation, then the connection reliability is improved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of connectionVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the connection function and the locking function into a single integrated structure where the first protrusion/first fitting portion and second protrusion/second fitting portion work together as one unified connection mechanism. This merging approach provides reliable connection and locking without requiring separate complex locking mechanisms, thus improving reliability while minimizing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusion and fitting portion structure serves multiple functions: the first protrusion/first fitting portion establishes the connection, while the second protrusion/second fitting portion maintains the locked state and prevents reverse rotation. This multi-functionality within a simple structural framework achieves high reliability without increasing device complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4209700B1Connecting structure
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 YJS
  • EP4209700B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4209700B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP4209700B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4B

AI summary

Connecting structure for connecting, to a connecting end portion (12) of a first member (10), a second member (11):a first protruding portion (19) and a first fitting portion (21) are formed, respectively, on the connecting end portion (12) and the second member (11) such that, with the first protruding portion (19) fitted to the first fitting portion (21), separation of the first member (10) from the second member (11) is prevented; and a second protruding portion (20) and a second fitting portion (22) are formed, respectively, on the connecting end portion (12) and the second member (11), such that, with the first protruding portion (19) fitted to the first fitting portion (21), the second protruding portion (20) is inseparably fitted to the second fitting portion (22) so as to keep the first protruding portion (19) fitted to the first fitting portion (21).