Locking Device Segmented Housing Casing Plug
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices require significant force for engagement and lack effective mechanisms to securely hold components together, especially in harsh environments like the ocean bed where pipelines and signal cables need protection against erosion.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with internal and external locking segments and grooves that utilize a plug with external grooves, where minimal force is required for initial insertion, and the design transforms longitudinal force into crosswise friction upon retraction, ensuring strong anchoring through deformation or breakage of components, without a defined stopping point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional locking devices are used, then they can secure components together, but they require significant force for engagement and lack effective mechanisms to securely hold components together
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is divided into three distinct segments: housing, casing, and plug. Each segment has specific locking segments and grooves that interact with adjacent segments. The housing has internal locking segments, the casing has external locking segments and internal grooves, and the plug has external grooves. This segmentation allows progressive engagement where each segment contributes to the overall locking strength without requiring excessive force.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device employs a nested structure where the plug is inserted into the casing, and the casing is inserted into the housing. Each component fits within the previous one, creating a layered locking system. The plug engages with the casing first, then the casing engages with the housing, creating multiple levels of security that accumulate strength without requiring proportionally increasing engagement force.
2Ease of operation
If the plug is inserted with minimal force, then ease of operation is improved, but the locking mechanism must still provide sufficient strength to hold components together
Solution Approach 1:
The locking segments feature inclining locking surfaces that transform the insertion force dynamically. During insertion, the inclining surfaces guide the components together smoothly. During retraction or loading, the same surfaces transform longitudinal force into crosswise friction, creating a dynamic response that adapts to the applied forces and maintains strong locking without requiring high insertion force.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transforms forces between dimensions. The inclining locking surfaces convert longitudinal insertion force into radial friction forces. This dimensional transformation allows minimal longitudinal force to achieve secure locking through increased radial friction, resolving the contradiction between easy insertion and strong locking.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lock is designed without a defined stopping point, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision must be maintained to ensure proper engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking segments are designed with inclining surfaces that provide self-limiting engagement. The geometry of the inclining surfaces ensures that proper engagement occurs naturally through the mechanical interaction, without requiring a defined stopping point or precise positioning features. The locking surfaces guide the components into correct alignment automatically.
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 device securely locks components with minimal initial force, providing long-lasting protection by transforming force into increased friction and structural strength, ensuring the lock remains effective even when components break, thus maintaining the protection coat in place for extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
the forces act against the opening of the lock (opposite direction) and immediately lead to 'engagement' between the plug and casing as a combined action between the components of the lock
Implementation Method 2
the casing has space for expansion when the plug is inserted. In that the casing is forced in the longitudinal direction (in the same direction as the plug) it can also be expanded in the crosswise direction and give a full passage for the plug
Implementation Method 3
The force that acts on the plug in the longitudinal direction will, through the design of the lock, be transformed into a force in the crosswise direction to the point where either the housing lets go of the casing or the casing lets go of the plug (in both cases through deformation)
Implementation Method 4
either the housing lets go of the casing or the casing lets go of the plug (in both cases through deformation)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A locking device (10) for assembling several parts is described, comprising an internal, open housing (12) that is equipped with internal, locking segments (20), an internal, open casing (14) for insertion into the housing (12) and which is equipped with external, locking segments (22) and internal, locking grooves (24), and a plug (16) for insertion into the casing (14) and which is equipped with external, locking grooves (26). The external, locking segments (22) of the casing (14) are corresponding to and opposite to the internal, locking segments (20) of the housing (12), and the internal, locking segments (20) of the housing (12) comprise an inclining, locking surface (20b), and the external, locking segments (22) of the casing (14) comprise an inclining, locking surface (22b), where said locking surfaces (20b, 22b) are forced against each other during retraction of the plug (16).