Elastic Detachable Linking System for Angular Clearance and Simultaneous Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detachable linking systems for components, such as those in ammunition, face issues with angular movement restrictions, high detachment effort, and uncertainty in breaking moments, leading to potential jamming and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A detachable linking system utilizing an elastically deformable rod with a spherical head and a sliding needle, where the needle is held by a deformable ring and an annular axial abutment, allowing for relative angular clearance and low detachment effort through controlled axial shift, without breaking parts, and ensuring simultaneous detachment across assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a ball-ended spindle linking mechanism is used, then holding in position is achieved, but angular movement is prohibited and contact is lost leading to concentration of efforts on restricted balls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spherical head on the rod that engages with a spherical annular bearing in the abutment. This spherical configuration allows the linking mechanism to accommodate angular movements while maintaining stable contact, resolving the contradiction between holding in position and angular movement capability. The spherical geometry provides continuous surface contact that adapts to angular shifts without losing contact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple balls are used in the spindle mechanism, then angular distribution is achieved, but only one generator per ball is available for contact and crimping dimension is low
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical head with spherical annular bearing contact provides multiple generators for contact simultaneously, unlike discrete balls. The curved spherical surfaces engage over an area rather than at point contacts, increasing the number of contact generators available and distributing the tensile effort across a larger crimping dimension.
3Ease of operation
If a breaking mechanism is used for detachment, then detachment is achieved, but breaking effort is high and breaking moment is uncertain leading to jamming risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detachment mechanism from breaking (high force, uncertain moment) to elastic deformation followed by controlled release. The rod is designed to elastically deform under tensile effort, and detachment occurs when the control device releases the constraint, allowing the rod to return to its initial position. This parameter change from breaking to elastic deformation reduces the force required and provides controlled, predictable detachment timing.
4Ease of operation
If breaking mechanism is used, then detachment is achieved, but breaking moment uncertainty is detrimental to detachment simultaneity
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from breaking to elastic deformation, the system achieves predictable and controllable detachment timing. The elastic rod deforms uniformly under load, and release occurs simultaneously across all linking mechanisms when the control device actuates, ensuring detachment simultaneity without the uncertainty inherent in breaking mechanisms.
5Adaptability or versatility
If elastically deformable rod with spherical head is used, then angular clearance is absorbed, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical head and spherical annular bearing configuration provides inherent tolerance compensation. The curved surfaces allow for slight misalignments and manufacturing variations while maintaining functional contact and angular clearance absorption, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements compared to point-contact or flat-surface mechanisms.
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 system effectively holds components in place, absorbs manufacturing tolerances, and facilitates detachment with minimal effort, ensuring reliable and simultaneous release across multiple systems, while maintaining mechanical reliability and stability.
Implementation Method 1
one rod (16) having a widened end (20) being longitudinally slit and elastically deformable
Data Source
AI summary
The system of the present method, system, and device comprises a mechanism for linking components including: a rod having a widened and elastically deformable end; an axially movable needle; and a body surrounding the interacting ends of said rod and said needle; and a control device acting on said needle and capable of switching said widened elastically deformable end from an open position to a closed position.