Manoeuvring Element with Nested Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing maneuvering elements with integrated locking means for preventing rotation often protrude and occupy significant space, causing logistics issues in cramped environments, and their bulkiness is not maintained constant during movement and at rest.
Innovation Solution
A maneuvering element with a compact design featuring a hollow bush stabilized by annular ribbings, a button with a wavy bottom surface, and a rotating insert with equidistant pins, along with a spring-loaded pin system that maintains engagement and alignment, allowing for safe and space-efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure-activated safety means with outwardly protruding plungers are provided to prevent rotation, then operational safety is improved, but the bulk of the device increases and occupies significant space in cramped environments
Solution Approach 1:
The locking plungers are nested within the manoeuvring element body when not in use, and only protrude when activated. The button mechanism is housed within a cavity in the manoeuvring element, with components arranged in a nested configuration that minimizes external dimensions while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety means transition from a static protruding structure to a dynamic system where plungers can extend and retract based on operational requirements. The button mechanism enables controlled extension of locking pins only when safety engagement is needed, allowing the device to adapt its bulk dynamically between operational states.
2Volume of moving object
If locking means are integrated into the maneuvering element to maintain constant bulk, then space efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the internal mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the manoeuvring element: the crank mechanism for manual operation, the button-activated locking system for safety, and the spring-loaded plunger mechanism for automatic engagement are all integrated into a single compact unit. The hollow bush serves both as a structural support and as a housing for internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded plungers automatically engage with the structure when the button is pressed, eliminating the need for complex external actuation mechanisms. The system self-regulates the locking action through the spring force, reducing the complexity of control mechanisms while maintaining reliable safety engagement.
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 solution ensures a constant and minimized bulk during both movement and rest, enhancing operational safety and reducing logistical issues in confined spaces by maintaining the compactness of the maneuvering element.
Implementation Method 1
a spring body (11), apt to maintain the elastic engagement between the two elements
Implementation Method 2
a preloaded pin (13), pushable out by a mechanical force when the manoeuvring element (1) rotates
Data Source
AI summary
A maneuvering element consisting of a crank provided at one end with a protruding handle and at the other end with a hollow bush which actuates a rotation transmission shaft and furthermore providedwith a safety system, consisting of a button housed within a cavity obtained in the crank for the actuation of a locking pin, and with the buton there is associated a retaining feature of the locking pin axially controlled by the button and apt to rotate between a fastening position and an unlocking position.