Gas Spring Bayonet Quick Connection for High-Load Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas pressure springs in machines or tools often require significant effort to assemble or disassemble due to limited accessibility, and existing fastening methods do not provide secure or quick connections, especially under high loads.
Innovation Solution
A gas pressure spring with a quick connection system featuring a plug and cam mechanism that creates a bayonet-style positive lock, utilizing elastically movable locking lugs and recesses for secure assembly and disassembly, along with centering means for precise alignment, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without additional fastening means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw connection is used to secure the gas spring to the housing, then the connection can withstand high loads, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes time-consuming and complex due to limited accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-connect fitting is divided into two separate parts: a first part with a plug and cam mechanism attached to the gas spring, and a second part with a plug recess and undercut attached to the machine or tool. This segmentation allows for rapid connection and disassembly without requiring tools, while still providing secure load-bearing capability when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug and plug recess are designed with predetermined geometric features (cam and undercut) that automatically engage in the correct orientation when the plug is inserted. This preliminary design of the engagement geometry eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures or additional fastening steps during assembly.
2Ease of operation
If a simple plug connection is used, then assembly is quick and easy, but the connection cannot withstand high mechanical loads
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism utilizes curved surfaces and rotational movement to transform a simple twisting motion into a strong mechanical lock. The cam's curved profile engages with the undercut to create a rigid connection that can withstand high loads, while the entire engagement process requires only manual twisting motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection transitions from a simple linear insertion to a two-dimensional engagement involving both insertion depth and rotational angle. The cam and undercut work together in this additional rotational dimension to create a positive locking connection that provides both ease of operation and high load-bearing capacity.
3Reliability
If traditional fastening methods are used, then secure fixation is achieved, but additional fastening means increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The plug integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides the connection interface, the cam mechanism for locking, and the geometric features for alignment. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate fasteners, washers, or alignment features that would increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-connect fitting design serves multiple purposes: the plug and recess provide mechanical connection, the cam and undercut provide locking, and the overall geometry provides alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed while maintaining secure fixation.
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 quick and secure assembly/disassembly of gas pressure springs, providing haptic feedback and ensuring proper positioning, thus simplifying maintenance and operation while withstanding high mechanical loads.
Implementation Method 1
by rotating the first part and the second part about a longitudinal axis relative to each other, the at least one cam engages the at least one undercut for a positive locking connection in the manner of a bayonet fitting
Implementation Method 2
the at least one second locking means comprises an elastically movable locking lug, whereby, on the one hand, a haptic feedback of proper assembly is generated during assembly
Implementation Method 3
A gas compression chamber is formed between the pressure side of the piston and the base of the housing
Implementation Method 4
Gas springs are used particularly in machines or tools to perform spring-loaded or damped stroke movements along the longitudinal axis
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a gas spring (1) with at least one quick-connect fitting (2) comprising a first part (10) with a plug (15) and at least one cam (16), and a second part (20) with a plug recess (25) and at least one undercut (26), wherein the plug (15) can be inserted into the plug recess, and by rotating the first part (10) and the second part (20) relative to each other, the at least one cam (16) engages the at least one undercut (26) for a positive locking connection in the manner of a bayonet fitting in an angular position.