Locking Cartridge Mechanism With Torque Limiter for Tool-Free Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for connecting radio devices in harsh environments are cumbersome and require multiple screws, making it difficult to reliably connect or disconnect devices without tools.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism with locking cartridges that include a clamping system with a screw and a rotating mechanism featuring a torque limiter and override mechanism, allowing for reliable connection and disconnection of devices without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple screws are used to connect radio devices, then the connection reliability is improved, but the handling complexity and tool requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple locking cartridges, each with its own integrated torque limiter and rotating mechanism. This segmentation allows each cartridge to independently secure the connection while maintaining overall reliability, and enables tool-free operation through the integrated handle mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque limiter is integrated directly into the rotating mechanism, allowing the system to automatically control and limit torque application without requiring external tools or complex adjustment mechanisms. The mechanism serves itself by incorporating the torque limiting function within the operational component.
2Strength
If screws are tightened with prescribed torque, then the connection strength is improved, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiter automatically applies and limits torque to the prescribed level through its internal mechanism, eliminating the need for external torque control devices or complex adjustment procedures. The system self-regulates the torque application.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque limiter mechanism changes the torque parameter from variable to fixed by design, ensuring that the prescribed torque is automatically applied and maintained. This parameter control is built into the mechanism rather than requiring external adjustment.
3Reliability
If devices are connected before placing in rack, then the connection reliability is improved, but the accessibility and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiter function is extracted from external tools and integrated directly into the locking cartridge mechanism. This extraction eliminates the need for separate torque control tools and enables direct operation on the device itself, improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user's manual operation and the screw tightening action. It mediates the torque application and limits it automatically, allowing reliable connection without requiring access to complex tools or precise torque control knowledge.
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 locking mechanism ensures reliable connection and disconnection of devices by applying a predefined torque and allowing for high torque in the disassembling direction, reducing the need for tools and improving handling and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
The torque limiter can include a biasing spring for creasing a pretension
Implementation Method 2
The flanks of the teeth with the slight inclination can be used for transmitting the torque in the clamping direction. Should the torque exceed a predefined level which is the result of the pretension generated by the biasing spring and the inclination of the flank, the flanks slide with respect to each other
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a locking mechanism for mounting devices (2, 4) to each other, the locking mechanism having a plurality of locking cartridges (10) receivable in the devices (2, 4), the locking cartridges having a clamping system, the clamping system having a screw (14) and a rotating mechanism (80) for rotating the screw (14) in a clamping direction and a disassembling direction, the rotating mechanism (80) including a torque limiter (82, 84, 86) for limiting a torque applied to the screw (14) in the clamping direction