Interlock Shaft Assembly With Coaxial Spring for Plug Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional interlock mechanisms for locking and unlocking plugs in receptacles are complex and prone to failure due to their multi-component assembly, leading to wear and eventual failure from repeated use.
Innovation Solution
An optimized interlock mechanism featuring a unitary main shaft with a contoured second end and a coaxial spring that applies a rotational biasing force to engage and disengage a locking bar, reducing the number of parts and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multi-component assembly is used for the interlock mechanism, then the mechanism can perform locking and unlocking functions, but the complexity of the assembly increases and reliability decreases due to more parts and potential failure modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (main shaft, locking bar, spring, tab) into a single integrated shaft assembly. The main shaft includes an integrated locking bar extending from it, and the spring is positioned within the shaft structure, eliminating the need for separate assembly of multiple parts and reducing potential failure points from component interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The main shaft serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the rotating element for operation, provides structural support for the locking bar, houses the spring mechanism, and includes the tab for user interaction. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the interlock mechanism.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple components are used in the interlock mechanism, then the locking and unlocking function can be achieved, but wear and eventual failure occur more quickly due to repeated use of multiple moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the locking bar and spring into the main shaft structure, the patent reduces the number of moving interfaces and connection points where wear can occur. Fewer separate components mean fewer potential failure points from repeated mechanical stress and wear.
3Quantity of substance
If a unitary main shaft design is used, then the number of parts is reduced and reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity of the single component increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main shaft is designed as a unitary component that integrates the locking bar, spring housing, and tab features. This consolidation reduces the total part count from multiple separate components to a single machined or formed piece, simplifying assembly while the manufacturing complexity is managed through standard fabrication processes.
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
The optimized mechanism provides a more reliable and durable locking and unlocking system with fewer failure modes, suitable for harsh and hazardous environments, by simplifying the assembly and reducing wear on components.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the main shaft and is configured to engage the second end of the main shaft. The spring is configured to apply a rotational biasing force to the main shaft to bias the main shaft toward a locked position
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle includes a housing having a port for receiving a plug. An interlock assembly is provided for locking and unlocking the plug to the housing and includes a unitary main shaft having a first end and a second end. The second end is contoured to extend radially from a longitudinal axis of the main shaft. A spring is coaxial with the longitudinal axis and is configured to engage the second end of the main shaft. The spring is configured to apply a rotational biasing force to the main shaft to bias the main shaft toward a locked position wherein a locking bar attached to the first end of the main shaft engages and locks the plug to the housing. A tab is attached to the first end of the main shaft and is configured to rotate the main shaft between the locked position and an unlocked position.