Field Unit Locking Mechanism for One-Handed Actuator Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for mounting a field unit on an actuator are cumbersome, requiring two-handed manipulation, precise positioning, and often result in incorrect connections, leading to potential operational issues and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for mechanical access and protection from environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A field unit with a pickup device and locking element that allows one-handed mounting by registering the actuator's position, automatically linking with an indicator using springs, eliminating the need for precise alignment and mechanical adjustments, and featuring a binary coding system for status indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pin-in-slot connection method is used for mounting the field unit, then the mechanical linkage can be established, but the mounting requires two-handed manipulation and precise positioning which increases complexity and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting procedure is segmented into distinct phases: the pickup device is first held in a mounting position by the locking element, allowing single-handed attachment of the field unit to the actuator. After attachment, the locking element is actuated to release the pickup, which then automatically links with the indicator. This segmentation eliminates the need for two-handed manipulation and precise positioning during attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The pickup device is preliminarily positioned in a mounting position by the locking element before the actual mounting operation. This preliminary positioning allows the field unit to be attached to the actuator without requiring precise alignment or two-handed manipulation. The automatic linking with the indicator occurs after mounting is complete, further simplifying the procedure.
2Ease of operation
If the field unit housing is opened to allow manual positioning of the displacement indicator linkage, then adjustment can be performed, but dirt and moisture can intrude into the interior of the field unit
Solution Approach 1:
The pickup device automatically links with the indicator after the locking element is actuated. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual positioning or opening the housing for adjustment purposes. The automatic linking occurs through the mechanical connection established when the field unit is mounted on the actuator, keeping the housing closed and protected throughout the process.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical access holes and openings in the circuit board are provided for adjustment, then manual positioning is enabled, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pickup device automatically links with the indicator through the mechanical connection established during mounting. This eliminates the need for mechanical access holes or circuit board openings that would be required for manual positioning. The automatic linking function is achieved through the normal mounting operation, avoiding additional manufacturing complexity and cost.
4Ease of operation
If the pickup device is held in mounting position by the locking element, then one-handed mounting is enabled, but additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element serves multiple functions: it holds the pickup device in the mounting position during attachment, it actuates to release the pickup for automatic linking, and it forms part of the mechanical connection between the field unit and actuator. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components that would otherwise be required for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting function and the positioning function are merged into a single operation. When the field unit is attached to the actuator, the pickup device is automatically positioned in the mounting position by the locking element, eliminating the need for separate positioning mechanisms or additional components.
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
Facilitates quick, easy, and reliable mounting of the field unit on an actuator without requiring additional force or manual adjustments, reducing the risk of incorrect connections and manufacturing complexities while maintaining protection from environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
the locking element is in working connection with a reset mechanism. The reset mechanism and the means which cause the automatic movement of the pickup device of the field unit are preferably designed as mechanical and/or fluid and/or electromagnetic components.
Implementation Method 2
These means are advisably designed in such a way that, when the pickup device of the field unit is released from the mounting position and there is no linkage with the indicator of the actuator, the means move the pickup device of the field unit into a second position—the end position.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention pertains to a field unit (10) for mounting on an actuator (12) with a pickup device (14) in the field unit (10) to register the position of the actuator (12) and with an indicator (16) located correspondingly on a movable element (15) of the actuator (12) to indicate the position of the actuator (12), where, when the field unit (10) is mounted on the actuator (14), the pickup device (14) of the field unit (10) can be linked with the indicator (16) of the actuator (12). The invention is characterized in that the pickup device (14) of the field unit (10) is in working connection with a locking element (18), and in that the pickup device (14) can be held by this locking element (18) in a first position—the mounting position—and can be released from the mounting position by the actuation of the locking element (18).