Grooved Rail Cover Locking Without Flexible Belt Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface covering devices, particularly those with motorized drums for longitudinal translation, face challenges in securely locking longitudinal edges during deployment and removal, often requiring flexible belts for synchronization, which complicates the locking mechanism and limits mechanical property adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring convex beads along its longitudinal edges that can be autonomously and reversibly locked into grooves in rails using an insertion system, eliminating the need for flexible belts and allowing for easier mechanical property adjustments based on core materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flexible belts are used for synchronization in existing locking mechanisms, then the locking of longitudinal edges can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and mechanical property adjustments are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the flexible belt synchronization mechanism from the locking system. Instead of using belts to coordinate the locking of multiple edges, the invention employs autonomous convex beads that lock independently into grooves on the support surface, eliminating the need for complex synchronization components while maintaining reliable locking
Solution Approach 2:
The convex beads are designed to autonomously lock into the grooves without requiring external synchronization mechanisms. Each bead independently engages with the groove structure, allowing the system to self-lock without flexible belts or complex control systems, thereby reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable locking
2Reliability
If complex locking mechanisms with flexible belts are used, then edge locking can be achieved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into independent convex beads distributed along the longitudinal edges of the cover. Each bead acts as an independent locking unit that engages with the groove structure, allowing for simpler manufacturing compared to a unified complex locking mechanism with flexible belts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the flexible belt synchronization mechanism, replacing it with simple convex bead-groove engagement. This removal of complex components significantly improves ease of manufacture while maintaining reliable locking functionality
3Reliability
If convex beads with fixed mechanical properties are used, then locking can be achieved, but adaptability to different applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables variation of the convex bead's mechanical properties by changing the core material composition. Different core materials can be selected to adjust parameters such as hardness, elasticity, and friction characteristics, allowing the same basic locking mechanism to adapt to different application requirements while maintaining reliable locking
Data Source
AI summary
A device for covering a surface including a substantially rectangular cover (10) having first and second longitudinal edges each provided with a protruding convex bead (12) having a minimum diameter (d), two rails (6) including a groove, the opening (14) of which has a maximum width (Lo), a drum (2) that is able to move above the surface in order to deploy or retrieve the cover, an insertion system (16) for continuous insertion of the convex bead (12) into the groove. The convex head (12) of each longitudinal edge and the groove of the corresponding rail are configured such that, once inserted into the space (14e) by the insertion system, the convex bead occupying the space alone cannot be removed solely by the action of a force (F) applied parallel to the transverse axis (Y) in the direction of the surface to be covered.