Guided Coupling Mechanism for Fine-Adjustment-Free Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling mechanisms for apparatuses require repetitive fine adjustments, placing a heavy burden on users due to the need for trial and error in aligning and securing multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A coupling mechanism featuring a projection and connector system with a guiding member that allows for precise alignment and positioning without fine adjustments, utilizing a long hole and movable components to accommodate positional deviations, simplifying the coupling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a caster capable of adjusting height is used to align apparatuses, then the apparatuses can be aligned in up-and-down direction, but the user burden increases due to the need for repetitive fine adjustment by trial and error
Solution Approach 1:
The projection and hole portion are designed with predetermined geometric relationships and tolerance ranges that automatically guide alignment during the coupling operation. The guiding member with protrusions further pre-establishes the spatial relationship between apparatuses, eliminating the need for users to perform repetitive fine adjustments by trial and error.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding member acts as an intermediary element between the projection-hole portion alignment system and the final coupled state. It provides additional geometric constraints through its protrusions that guide the relative positioning of apparatuses, reducing the complexity of direct alignment between projection and hole portion.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment is required for coupling apparatuses, then coupling accuracy improves, but the coupling process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The projection and hole portion are designed with asymmetric geometric features that provide built-in alignment guidance. The specific shape and orientation of these features ensure that only one correct relative positioning is possible, achieving precise coupling without requiring complex alignment procedures or multiple adjustment steps.
3Manufacturing precision
If connectors are positioned at fixed distances for precise coupling, then coupling precision improves, but the system cannot accommodate positional deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The connector and guided member are designed with movable components that can dynamically adjust within predetermined tolerance ranges. This allows the system to maintain precise coupling when components are correctly positioned while accommodating positional deviations through controlled movement, rather than requiring fixed rigid connections.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a coupling mechanism that couples a first apparatus and a second apparatus, in which, on a side of the first apparatus, a projection, a first connector that is arranged at a first distance from the projection, and a guiding member that is arranged at a position closer to the first connector than to the projection and that has two protrusions are arranged, on a side of the second apparatus, a hole portion that receives the projection, a second connector that is arranged at the first distance from the hole portion and connected to the first connector, and a guided member that is guided between the two protrusions of the guiding member are arranged, and the second connector is configured to move together with the guided member.