Spring-Loaded Locking Bolt With Indexed Knob Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring-loaded locking bolts lack precise alignment of the beveled approach edge, making it difficult to determine the location of the adjusting pin, which is necessary for directional fixation of components, as the alignment influences the engagement and disengagement of the locking mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The actuator knob features an internal locking projection that engages with a recess in the guide sleeve, allowing for specific alignment of the beveled approach edge, enabling precise rotational positioning and temporary or permanent fixation of the adjusting pin, with mechanisms such as locking grooves and a compression spring ensuring the locking bolt can be operated without errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the adjusting pin is made rotatable about its longitudinal axis, then the locking bolt can be operated in different directions, but the precise alignment of the beveled approach edge cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The locking projection is pre-positioned on the actuator knob at a specific angular location. When the actuator knob is rotated to the neutral position, the locking projection automatically aligns with the recess in the guide sleeve, thereby pre-establishing the correct angular orientation of the adjusting pin's beveled approach edge before the locking operation commences. This preliminary alignment action ensures that the beveled edge is precisely positioned for directional engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking projection acts as an intermediary element between the actuator knob and the guide sleeve. It transfers and establishes the precise angular relationship between these two components. By engaging the locking projection with the recess, the system mediates the alignment between the rotatable actuator knob and the stationary guide sleeve, thereby enabling precise determination of the beveled approach edge alignment while maintaining rotational capability.
2Ease of operation
If the actuator knob is continuously rotatable, then easy operation is achieved, but the locking position cannot be fixed
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator knob transitions between two dynamic states: a rotatable state when the locking projection is disengaged from the recess, allowing easy operation and positioning; and a locked state when the locking projection engages with the recess, providing positional stability. This dynamic switching between freedom of motion and fixed position enables both ease of operation and stable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism operates through periodic engagement and disengagement of the locking projection with the recess. During normal operation, the locking projection periodically engages the recess at the neutral position to fix the adjusting pin, and disengages to allow rotation. This periodic action rhythmically switches between stability and mobility, ensuring the adjusting pin is secured at the correct position while allowing smooth operational rotation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to fix the actuator knob, then position stability is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged into the actuator knob itself by integrating the locking projection directly onto the knob's circumference. This combines the actuation function and the locking function into a single component, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms. The locking projection is formed as part of the actuator knob structure, thereby providing position stability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire actuator knob complex, the locking feature is localized to a specific region: a single locking projection positioned at a specific angular location on the knob's circumference. This localized approach adds minimal structural complexity only where needed for locking, while the rest of the actuator knob remains simple and rotatable. The recess in the guide sleeve is also locally positioned to receive this specific projection.
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 solution allows for precise alignment and operation of the locking bolt, enabling directional engagement and disengagement of components, overcoming the limitations of prior art by providing a reliable and error-free operation of the locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
an axial compression spring which compresses the adjusting pin of the locking bolt into an axial end position
Implementation Method 2
The actuator knob comprises at least one internal locking projection, which, in the locked position, engages in a locking manner in a corresponding recess in the side wall of the sleeve section of the guide sleeve and fixes against rotation the actuator knob
Data Source
AI summary
A spring-loaded locking bolt with a guide sleeve and an adjusting pin movably mounted axially in the guide sleeve. The adjusting pin can be brought into a locked position protruding axially out of the guide sleeve against the actuating force of an axial compression spring and a retracted neutral position which does not protrude axially from the guide sleeve. The adjusting pin has a locking end and an actuating end in conjunction with an actuator knob. The actuator knob has an outer sleeve with which the actuator knob is movably mounted axially on a sleeve section of the guide sleeve. The actuator knob includes an inner locking projection which in the locked position lockingly engages into a corresponding recess in the side wall of the sleeve section, and fixes the actuator knob, which is engaged under spring tension, against an axial rotation about the center axis of the locking bolt, and in the neutral position the actuator knob is rotatable about the center axis.