Elastic Press-Lock Structure for Simplified Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking hook structures are complex to assemble and disassemble, prone to element loss during replacement, and inconvenient to use, especially when handling heavy objects or requiring one-handed operation.

Innovation Solution

An elastic press-lock structure featuring a ring-shaped member with an elongated hole and a connection assembly that includes N-shaped, L-shaped, and fork members, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, made of lightweight and durable materials like plastic or foaming materials, with a hollow design that can float on water.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple elements (lock body, latch, positioning pin, insulating sheath) are used to ensure safety and control, then the locking function is reliable, but the structure becomes complex and difficult to assemble and disassemble

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking safetyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional elements (lock body, latch, positioning features, and safety control) into a single integrated elastic press-lock structure. The elastic body simultaneously provides locking engagement, positioning, and safety control through its deformation characteristics, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic press-lock structure serves multiple functions through a single component: it provides the locking mechanism, positioning features, safety control, and even serves as the housing structure. The elastic body can be deformed to different positions (first position for locking, second position for releasing) to perform different functions, making the structure multi-functional and reducing the number of parts needed

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

2Reliability

If multiple separate elements are used in the locking mechanism, then the locking function is comprehensive, but the elements may be lost during assembly and disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionVSAvoidassembly and disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating all locking, positioning, and safety control features into a single elastic press-lock body, the invention eliminates the problem of scattered elements being lost during assembly and disassembly. The unified structure ensures all functional components remain together as one piece, simplifying handling and reducing the risk of loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a positioning pin is used to connect components, then the locking mechanism is stable, but it becomes difficult to assemble and disassemble

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent connection stabilityVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the positioning pin component entirely by integrating positioning features directly into the elastic press-lock body. The elastic structure itself provides positioning through its geometric shape and deformation characteristics, removing the need for separate positioning pins and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining connection stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If manual force is required to reset the locking mechanism, then the lock can be controlled, but it becomes inconvenient when the user's hands are occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelock controlVSAvoidoperation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic press-lock structure utilizes the elastic deformation and recovery properties of the material to automatically reset itself after being actuated. When the pressing force is removed, the elastic body naturally returns to its original position without requiring manual intervention, enabling hands-free operation while maintaining reliable control through the pressing action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 elastic press-lock structure simplifies assembly and disassembly, is easy to use, and allows for quick replacement of damaged parts, offering a lightweight and durable solution that can float on water, expanding its application in various fields and consumer markets.

Implementation Method 1

the connection assembly is pressed with a pressing force to deflect toward a first direction with an axle which is a predetermined position of the elongated hole so that the connection assembly is limited by the ring-shaped member which is deformed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the connection assembly is reset toward a second direction opposite to the first direction by a restoring force generated by the connection assembly while the pressing force is released

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic restoring force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9958001B2Elastic press-lock structure
Publication Date: 2018.05.01 JAM YI RONG
  • US9958001B2 patent drawing
  • US9958001B2 patent drawing
  • US9958001B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An elastic press-lock structure has a ring-shaped member and a connection assembly. The ring-shaped member is defined an elongated hole. The connection assembly is passed through the elongated hole of the ring-shaped member and detachably connected with the ring-shaped member. The connection assembly is pressed with a pressing force to deflect toward a first direction with an axle which is a predetermined position of the elongated hole so that the connection assembly is limited by the ring-shaped member which is deformed and the then the connection assembly is reset toward a second direction opposite to the first direction by a restoring force generated by the connection assembly while the pressing force is released.