Locking Socket Mechanism With Inclined Drive for Smooth Shell Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug and socket designs face issues with thrust dispersion due to the radial movement of front-row steel balls, leading to difficulty in moving the connecting nut backward and potential jamming, as the travel distance is short and the thrust direction is dispersed.
Innovation Solution
The socket design incorporates driving members with a pushing portion and limiting portions that move along a guide inclined groove, allowing for an angle of less than 90 degrees between the pushing direction and the backward movement, enabling a longer travel distance for the sliding shell and minimizing thrust dispersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If front-row steel balls move radially within the accommodating slot to push the connecting nut backward, then the connecting nut can be driven backward, but the thrust is dispersed and the travel distance is short, making it difficult for the rear-row steel balls to reach the proper position
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the movement dimension of the front-row steel balls from radial movement (perpendicular to pushing direction) to axial movement (parallel to pushing direction) by designing the accommodating slot with an inclined surface. This dimensional change allows the steel balls to push the connecting nut directly along the pushing direction, eliminating thrust dispersion and increasing travel distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the accommodating slot, specifically designing it with an inclined surface rather than a radial configuration. This parameter change transforms the movement trajectory of the steel balls, enabling them to maintain consistent contact with the connecting nut over a longer distance and in the correct direction.
2Ease of operation
If front-row steel balls move radially perpendicular to the pushing direction, then the connecting nut can be pushed backward, but the thrust is dispersed making the pushing effortful
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions the steel ball movement from a radial dimension (perpendicular to pushing direction) to an axial dimension (parallel to pushing direction) through the inclined accommodating slot. This ensures that the force generated by the steel balls is transmitted directly to the connecting nut without lateral dispersion, significantly reducing the effort required for pushing.
3Reliability
If the first oblique surface of the connecting nut moves backward a short distance due to radial steel ball movement, then the steel balls can contact the oblique surface, but the first oblique surface may not reach the proper position causing jamming
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the steel ball movement from radial to axial direction through the inclined accommodating slot, the invention ensures that the first oblique surface of the connecting nut travels the full necessary distance backward without stopping prematurely. This eliminates the risk of jamming and ensures reliable engagement of the locking mechanism.
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 facilitates easy and efficient locking of the plug and socket by allowing the sliding shell to retract backward with minimal thrust dispersion, ensuring smooth mating and locking processes.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is provided between the step on the inner wall of the connecting nut and the front end of the socket shell
Implementation Method 2
A first oblique surface is provided on the front end of the inner wall of the connecting nut, and a second oblique surface is provided on the rear side surface of the protrusion
Data Source
AI summary
A socket comprising a driving member includes a pushing portion and a limiting portion. The pushing portion moves backward along a guiding slot and away from a central axis of a shell, while the limiting portion pushes an abutting portion backward, thereby driving a sliding shell to move backward. The angle between the direction of movement of the pushing portion and the direction in which the limiting portion pushes the abutting portion is less than ninety degrees, resulting in reduced force dispersion, making it easier to move the sliding shell backward. Furthermore, the backward travel distance of the pushing portion is long, and the travel distance of the sliding shell driven backward by the limiting portion is also long, facilitating the movement of the locking member into the locking slot and achieving automatic shell retraction and locking.