Granular Material Securing Device for Adjustable Part Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing two movable parts in a selectable and adjustable manner are complex, especially when multiple positions are required, as they necessitate multiple bores and attachment elements, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a container filled with granular material, where a holding element embedded within the material securely holds two parts at any position within the container's dimensions, utilizing friction between material grains to absorb forces and allowing for adjustable and interchangeable securing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bores and attachment elements are used to enable selectable positioning, then the adaptability for different positions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the state of the securing system from discrete fixed positions (multiple bores) to continuous adjustable positions (holding element in granular material). The granular material allows the holding element to be positioned at any location within the container, transforming the positioning parameter from discrete to continuous, thereby achieving high adaptability without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the positioning function from the structure (fixed bores) and transfers it to the material properties (granular material that can accommodate the holding element at any position). This separates the positioning capability from the physical structure, allowing continuous adjustment without requiring multiple pre-defined holes in the component
2Manufacturing precision
If more bores are provided for closely spaced positions, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the positioning system from discrete pre-drilled holes to continuous positioning within a granular material container. The holding element can be inserted at any position and depth within the granular material, achieving high positioning precision without requiring multiple precisely spaced bores, thereby eliminating the need for complex multi-row hole patterns
3Ease of operation
If the holding element is embedded in granular material, then the ease of operation for adjustment is improved, but the force absorption capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the securing medium from rigid (fixed bores) to granular (flowable material). The granular material can be easily displaced to allow insertion and removal of the holding element, providing ease of operation for adjustment while still maintaining sufficient force absorption through friction between material grains
Solution Approach 2:
The granular material acts as an intermediary between the holding element and the container walls. It provides both the ease of insertion/removal (by flowing around the holding element) and the force absorption capability (through inter-grain friction and mechanical interlocking), mediating between the conflicting requirements of operational ease and force resistance
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
This solution enables secure, adjustable, and versatile part positioning with minimal force requirement, allowing for easy adjustment and re-securing of components, suitable for various applications such as steering column adjustment and seat height adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
The magnitude of the forces which can be absorbed by the holding element depends upon the friction between the material grains
Data Source
AI summary
A device for securing two relatively movable parts (1, 2) contains at least one holding element (3) which is allocated to the first part (1) and engages into the second part (2) in a transverse manner with respect to the direction of movement of the two parts (1, 2). The second part (2) contains at least one container (7) filled with granular, preferably spherical, material (8) and embeds the holding element (3) in the material (8).