Magnetic Handle Indexing Assembly for Reliable Screw Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for assembling and indexing a handle to a body, such as in portable lighting devices, lack reliability and accuracy while being complex and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism with a movable magnetic blocking member that transitions from allowing rotational movement to immobilizing the handle relative to the body upon screwing, utilizing a mounting bracket with multiple indexing positions and elastic members for secure assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded rod is screwed into a tapped port to assemble the handle to the body, then the handle can be mechanically fastened to the body, but the assembly lacks reliability and accuracy in indexing the handle position
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic blocking member is introduced as an intermediary element between the handle and body. This blocking member can be held in a first cavity of the handle by a holding tool during assembly, then released to snap into a second cavity in the body, providing reliable and accurate indexing without requiring complex mechanical indexing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical indexing mechanisms with a magnetic field-based system. The magnetic blocking member uses magnetic attraction to hold its position in the first cavity and magnetic release to snap into the second cavity, eliminating the need for complex mechanical indexing features in the tapped port or threaded rod
2Ease of operation
If the blocking member is held in the first cavity during screwing, then progressive positioning is allowed, but the blocking member must be securely held and then released to achieve indexing
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic blocking member is designed to be self-holding in the first cavity through magnetic attraction when the holding tool is present, and self-releasing when the tool is removed. The system uses the magnetic field itself to both hold and release the blocking member, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex release mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic force parameter is used to control the state of the blocking member. When the holding tool is present, magnetic attraction holds the blocking member in the first cavity. When the tool is removed, the magnetic parameter changes (decreases), allowing the blocking member to snap into the second cavity. This parameter change provides simple control over the assembly process
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
Ensures reliable and accurate assembly and indexing with simple and economical means, allowing progressive positioning and preventing over-screwing, while enabling easy disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
The blocking member is magnetic
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an item comprising a system for assembling by screwing and indexing a first element having a first cavity (29) with a second element having a second cavity (44), the system being provided with a first mechanism having a movable blocking member (30) housed in the first cavity and configured so that, in a first configuration, the blocking member is in a first position at a distance from the second cavity and rotation of the first element relative to the second element is allowed and, in a second configuration in which the first element and the second element have been screwed together, the blocking member is in a second position introduced both into the second cavity and the first cavity so as to rotatably immobilise the first element relative to the second element.