Internal Nut Locking Ring for Compact Secure Shaft Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nut locking systems for mechanical connections in electronic devices, such as surveillance cameras, are too space-consuming and fail to provide adequate safety, especially in compact designs where mechanical components must be both robust and compact.
Innovation Solution
A nut locking system comprising a shaft with a hollow section and a retaining ring that includes a tongue mechanism to securely engage the nut, providing axial and rotational restriction, and is designed to be compact without additional space requirements, using a resilient material for pretensioning and a recess for precise mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional nut locking system is used to secure mechanical connections, then safety and reliability are improved, but the device size increases and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring is mounted internally within the hollow section of the shaft, nesting the locking mechanism inside the existing structural components. This eliminates the need for external locking components and reduces overall device volume while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from external radial locking to internal axial locking by mounting the retaining ring on the hollow section of the shaft. This dimensional repositioning allows the locking mechanism to utilize the hollow space within the shaft rather than requiring external space.
2Volume of moving object
If the device is made compact to reduce size, then device volume is reduced, but the robustness of mechanical components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring is designed with a tongue that engages specifically with the nut's locking surface, concentrating the locking force at the critical interface between the nut and shaft. This localized engagement ensures robust mechanical connection without requiring the entire structure to be oversized.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient retaining ring is pre-loaded against the nut through elastic deformation when mounted on the hollow section. This preliminary action creates a constant locking force that maintains secure connection even in the compact device structure.
3Reliability
If additional locking components are added to improve safety, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow section of the shaft serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines the mounting position for the retaining ring, and contains the locking mechanism within its volume. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated locking structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring combines the functions of a locking element and a mounting element by integrating the tongue structure directly into the ring body. This merged design eliminates the need for separate locking plates, washers, or external retainers.
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 system enhances safety by preventing unintentional detachment of camera components while maintaining a compact design, ensuring secure attachment without additional space consumption, thus addressing the limitations of prior art solutions.
Implementation Method 1
The body of the retaining ring may be made of a resilient material. The resilience of the retaining ring allows the retaining ring to, in a spring like fashion, return to its original form once mounted in the hollow section of the shaft.
Implementation Method 2
The hollow section may furthermore be acoustically isolated from the outside environment.
Data Source
AI summary
A nut locking system comprising a nut, a shaft and a retaining ring, wherein the nut is connected to the shaft by means of a threaded joint, the shaft comprising a hollow section in which a body of the retaining ring is arranged, wherein the retaining ring comprises a tongue, the tongue being configured to engage the nut in response to movement of the nut relative the shaft in an axial direction thereof such that movement of the nut is restricted, wherein the tongue comprises a first tongue portion extending over an upper portion of the nut, the first tongue portion being configured to engage with the upper portion of the nut.