Hexagonal Bayonet Closure for Tool-Free HVAC Access Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure elements for inspection openings in air-conditioning systems are time-consuming to assemble and disassemble, and components like screws can easily get lost during the process.
Innovation Solution
The insertion area and opening are designed as polygonal, specifically hexagonal, with bayonet catch-like edge areas, allowing the closure element to be rotated into a locking position without tools, eliminating the need for additional components like screws and simplifying assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional closure elements with screws and nuts are used, then secure fixation is achieved, but assembly and disassembly becomes time-consuming and components can get lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the closure element with the insertion area into a single integrated component. The closure element includes an insertion area that directly engages with the opening through bayonet catch mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate screws, nuts, and other fastening components. This consolidation reduces assembly steps and prevents component loss while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bayonet catch design enables self-locking through rotational movement. When the closure element is rotated into the locking position, the tongue and groove features automatically engage and secure the closure without requiring additional fastening operations. The design allows easy self-release by rotating in the opposite direction, enabling quick disassembly without tools or multiple components.
2Reliability
If multiple small components like screws and nuts are used for fixation, then secure attachment is achieved, but components can easily get lost during assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention consolidates multiple separate fastening components into a single integrated closure element. The insertion area with bayonet catch features is built as part of the closure element itself, eliminating screws, nuts, and other small components that could be lost. This single-component design maintains secure attachment while preventing component loss entirely.
3Shape
If a cylindrical insertion area is used, then simple geometry is achieved, but assembly requires multiple components and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a symmetric cylindrical insertion area to an asymmetric polygonal shape with bayonet catch features. The insertion area includes tongues and grooves positioned at specific angles, creating an asymmetric geometry that enables direct engagement with the opening. This asymmetric design eliminates the need for multiple components and tools while maintaining simple overall structure.
4Reliability
If traditional fastening methods are used, then secure closure is achieved, but assembly and disassembly requires tools and multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The bayonet catch design enables self-servicing operation where the closure element automatically locks itself through rotational movement. The tongue and groove features engage automatically when rotated into the locking position, providing secure closure without tools. The same rotational mechanism in reverse enables easy disassembly, making the entire operation tool-free and simple.
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
The system comprises a component (1) having an access opening provided in a housing wall, and a closure element (3) for closing the opening, where the closure element externally and completely covers in its closing position of the opening, and an insertion region partially projecting into the opening. The insertion region and/or the opening is formed in a hexagonal manner, and has the same number of corners. The insertion region is dimensioned in relation to the opening so that the insertion region is insertable through the opening. The system comprises a component (1) having an access opening provided in a housing wall, and a closure element (3) for closing the opening, where the closure element externally and completely covers in its closing position of the opening, and an insertion region partially projecting into the opening. The insertion region and/or the opening is formed in a hexagonal manner, and has the same number of corners. The insertion region is dimensioned in relation to the opening so that the insertion region is insertable through the opening. Partial regions of edge regions by the opening and the insertion region are constructed in the manner of a bayonet closure as tongue-/groove joint in all corners so that the closure element is displaced by a rotation of a mounting position in its closing position. Either the groove is arranged in the edge region of the insertion region, and the spring is formed by the edge region of the opening, or the spring is formed through the edge region of the insertion region and the groove is arranged in the edge region of the opening. The closing position of the each spring is accommodated in its corresponding groove. The groove is formed on the one hand by a surface of the closure element, which contacts in the closing position with an outer side of the component, and is formed on the other hand by a lateral section projecting with respect to the insertion region. A distance is reduced between the surface of the closure element and the section in the closing position. The closure element has an outside operating handle (12), and is made of metal. The corner of the insertion regions and/or the opening is formed in a round-shaped manner. The closure element in an area co-operating with the edge of the opening is completely made of plastic.