Vehicle Locking Bar Torsion Spring Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking bars for vehicles require significant force to insert, remove, or displace between holding elements due to the spring force needed for secure positioning, making it difficult, especially in inaccessible locations.

Innovation Solution

The locking bar design incorporates rotatable bar parts with a torsion spring that produces a torsion force, allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, and displacement by rotating the connection elements within the holding elements, eliminating the need for strong forces during insertion and securing the bar in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a spring element is used to produce clamping force for secure positioning of connection elements in holding elements, then the reliability of the locking bar is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to significant forces required for insertion and removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure positioning of connection elementsVSAvoidinsertion and removal of locking bar

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional spring mechanism by using a torsion spring that acts perpendicular to the bar's longitudinal axis. Instead of the spring force acting along the insertion direction, the torsion spring applies rotational force to rotate the connection element within the holding element, thereby reducing the linear insertion force required while maintaining secure positioning through rotational locking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of spring force application from longitudinal compression force to torsional rotational force. By transitioning from a linear spring mechanism to a torsion spring mechanism, the force vector is changed from acting parallel to the bar axis to acting perpendicular to it, enabling easier insertion through rotational motion rather than direct linear force opposition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a non-positive fit is provided between connection elements and holding elements to prevent exiting, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the spring element mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of connection element exitVSAvoidspring element mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by using a torsion spring mechanism that operates perpendicular to the bar's longitudinal axis. The spring applies rotational force to rotate the connection element within the holding element, creating a locking action through rotation rather than through longitudinal spring pressure, thereby maintaining reliability while simplifying the overall mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The torsion spring mechanism automatically rotates the connection element into the locked position within the holding element without requiring additional manual intervention. The spring's torsional force self-actuates the locking rotation, eliminating the need for complex external actuation mechanisms while ensuring reliable prevention of element exit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This design simplifies the insertion, release, and displacement of the locking bar, reducing the effort required for operation and ensuring secure positioning without accidental release, enhancing usability and accessibility in various vehicle loading spaces.

Implementation Method 1

The locking bar (1) comprises two bar parts (4, 5) which are arranged rotatable to one another over an angle about their longitudinal axis (6), wherein the spring element is designed as a torsion spring element and is arranged such that it can produce a torsion force which acts between the bar parts (4, 5)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11577638B2Locking bar for arrangement in one load space of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.02.14 WISTRA GMBH CARGO CONTROL

AI summary

A locking bar may include one or more of the following: at least two tube sections which are telescopically arranged in the longitudinal direction of the locking bar; at least two connection elements which are arranged at respective ends of the locking bar and are configured for being received into a holding element; at least one spring element; and a first bar part and a second bar part that are arranged in a manner in which they are rotatable to one another over an angle about their common longitudinal axis, the first bar part including a first tube section of the at least two tube sections and the second bar part including a second tube section of the at least two tube sections, where the spring element is configured such that it applies a torsion force respectively acting on the first and second bar parts.