Hand Crank Cam Lock for Side-Access Display Frame Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cam locks require an axially displaced tool for operation, making them impractical for use in hard-to-reach areas and slowing down the assembly and disassembly of display panels and boards in the visual display industry.
Innovation Solution
A cam lock design featuring a rotatable dial and movable hooks that allow for translational motion between locked and unlocked states without the need for an axially displaced tool, utilizing a hand crank mechanism for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an axially displaced tool (screwdriver or key) is used to operate the cam lock, then the locking mechanism can be operated, but the cam lock becomes useless or stuck in a singular position when disposed in hard to reach areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational dimension from axial (requiring tool insertion from the end) to radial (operating from the side). The rotatable dial is positioned on the lateral surface of the outer body, allowing users to operate the cam lock from the side rather than requiring axial access. This dimensional change enables operation in hard-to-reach areas where axial access is blocked but lateral access is available.
2Reliability
If an axially displaced tool is required to operate the cam lock, then the locking mechanism functions properly, but the assembly and disassembly process of display panels is slowed down
Solution Approach 1:
The cam lock is designed to be operated without external tools through the self-contained hand crank mechanism. The rotatable dial directly engages the cam mechanism through integrated translational elements, eliminating the need for separate tools like screwdrivers or keys. This self-service design allows operators to quickly lock and unlock connections during display assembly and disassembly operations, significantly improving productivity while maintaining reliable 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 tool-free locking and unlocking of cam locks, facilitating faster setup and teardown of display systems by allowing operation from the side, improving efficiency in the visual display industry.
Implementation Method 1
a cam mechanism configured to couple the rotatable dial and the plurality of movable hooks. The rotatable dial is configured to rotate causing translational movement of the plurality of movable hooks within the outer body to operate between a locked state and an unlocked state.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand crank cam lock for connecting medium to large sized display walls or boards including a hand crank disposed in a cam lock. The hand crank cam lock is configured to join two separate extrusions or frames together in a toolless manner. The hand crank cam lock locks these frames when the hand crank is turned clockwise, a plurality of hooks slide back along channels inside an outer body to grab the inner walls of a frame. This will in turn lock the hooks into place against the inner walls. The hand crank will only require half a turn to travel the required distance to lock the hooks into place and this half turn may be performed via a tool or by hand.