Locking Centering Mechanism with Variable Pitch Screw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current centering mechanisms lack a locking mechanism that can provide additional clamping force and align electronic devices effectively, making them less intuitive and difficult to use compared to prior art.
Innovation Solution
A centering mechanism with a locking mechanism that utilizes a variable pitch screw and a cam geometry locking mechanism, allowing for additional clamping force and alignment of electronic devices, featuring a main body with pivot axes and retaining members that can be actuated to secure objects of varying sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to a centering mechanism, then the clamping force and retention reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the centering mechanism and locking mechanism into a single integrated device. The locking mechanism shares common components (such as the body, retaining members, and actuation elements) with the centering function, allowing both centering and locking operations to be performed by the same structural elements rather than requiring separate independent mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining members serve dual functions: they act as centering elements that align the object with the alignment axis, and simultaneously function as locking elements that can be actuated to secure the object. The cam members and actuating elements provide both the centering force and the locking action, making the mechanism multi-functional and reducing overall complexity.
2Force
If a locking mechanism with cam geometry is used, then the clamping force is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cam members are designed with dynamic geometry that changes during actuation. The cam profile transitions from a state that allows easy insertion and centering to a state that provides strong mechanical advantage for locking. The variable pitch screw mechanism also provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the user to easily set the initial position and then secure it with firm clamping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam members act as intermediary elements between the actuating force and the clamping action. Instead of directly applying force to the object, the cam geometry transforms the actuating motion into a magnified clamping force, making the operation easier while still achieving high clamping force on the retained object.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a variable pitch screw mechanism is added for alignment, then the adaptability to different device sizes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The variable pitch screw mechanism allows change in the pitch parameter along the length of the screw. This enables different sections of the screw to engage with different thread pitches, providing adaptability to accommodate objects of varying sizes. The same screw can engage with coarse threads for larger objects and fine threads for smaller objects, expanding the range of applicability.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw mechanism is divided into segments with different pitch characteristics. Rather than using a single uniform screw, the design incorporates variable pitch sections that can engage with corresponding segmented threading in the mounting plate or retaining structure, allowing selective engagement based on object size requirements.
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 mechanism provides enhanced alignment and clamping capabilities, making it more intuitive and easier to use, while accommodating different device sizes through a variable pitch screw design and cam geometry, ensuring secure retention and alignment of electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a cam geometry locking mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a variable pitch screw
Data Source
AI summary
A centering mechanism for retaining an object, wherein the centering mechanism has a locking mechanism, having at least a first tangential surface. Furthermore, the centering mechanism can be used in conjunction with a mechanism for retaining an electronic device or an electronic device in a case. The structure of the centering mechanism and the locking mechanism allows for the locking mechanism to further actuate and lock the centering mechanism, such that an object retained therein is secured and aligned.