Board Connector Fixing Sleeve With Visible One-Way Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional positioning devices for board-to-board assemblies require hand tools for operation, are prone to incorrect locking due to reciprocal rotation, and indicators are difficult to see in low-light conditions, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a limiting groove and guide path on the base, featuring a sleeve with a flange and limiting ring, a shaft with an elastic member, and a wrench with stop ribs and a driving path, allowing for reliable rotation and easy identification of locking direction without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the outer sleeve is pressed down and rotated to lock or unlock the positioning device, then the locking function is achieved, but it is difficult to identify whether the device is locked or unlocked and the rotation direction is ambiguous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different color markings (e.g., green for locked state, red for unlocked state) on the outer sleeve or indicator elements to visually distinguish between locked and unlocked states. This color-coding system allows users to immediately identify the current state without confusion about rotation direction.
2Ease of manufacture
If the two long protrusions and two short protrusions are arranged oppositely on the inner wall of the sliding hole, then the structural symmetry is achieved, but the protrusions can only rotate in one direction causing reciprocal rotation and inaccurate locking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetric features such as a directional indicator arrow, asymmetric groove positioning, or asymmetric protrusion design that allows the mechanism to rotate in only one direction. This asymmetry prevents reciprocal rotation and ensures accurate locking by guiding the rotation path.
3Ease of operation
If the indicator is processed on the top surface of the outer sleeve to show locking direction, then the visibility of locking state is improved, but the processing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cost-effective color marking methods such as printing, anodizing, or adhesive labels on the outer sleeve to provide visual indicators of locking state. These methods are simpler and more economical than complex indicator mechanisms while still achieving clear visibility.
4Reliability
If the stop ribs slide along the sliding path to enter and exit the clamping groove, then the locking mechanism functions, but friction losses occur between the stop ribs and sliding path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based sliding contact with a rolling contact mechanism such as ball bearings or roller elements between the stop ribs and sliding path. This substitution significantly reduces friction losses while maintaining the locking function.
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
Enables secure and efficient assembly/disassembly of board-to-board connections without tools, reducing friction and preventing improper locking, while enhancing visibility and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The shaft is sleeved with an elastic member that resists the inside of the through hole
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a base with a limiting groove and a guide path, a sleeve inserted into the through hole of the base and having a flange clamped in the limiting groove, a limiting ring portion passed to the outside, an accommodation space, a through hole at the limiting ring portion, a sliding path on the limiting ring portion and a clamping groove recessed on one the sliding path, a shaft with a clamping rod and a connecting portion, and a wrench placed outside the sleeve and against the guide path and having stop ribs for sliding in and out of the clamping groove along the sliding path, a locating block for assembly of the connecting portion of the shaft, a driving path against the guide path and pushing surfaces aligned with the stop ribs to easily identify the purpose of the rotational displacement of the wrench.