Movable Support Structure With Dynamic Retention Against Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Movable components, such as interlock connectors, tend to detach from their support bodies due to inadequate retention mechanisms, leading to instability and potential misalignment in applications like electrical device housings.
Innovation Solution
A movable support structure comprising a first component with a movable supporting portion and a retaining/restricting portion, and a second component with a supported and receiving portion, where the retaining/restricting portion restricts movement and applies forces to prevent detachment, utilizing a combination of guide grooves, inserting projections, and a resilient retaining surface to maintain the second component's position relative to the first.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the interlock connector is supported movably in the insertion groove, then the connector can be inserted and removed easily, but the connector becomes prone to detachment and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining/restricting portion is designed to be movable relative to the supported portion, allowing it to dynamically adjust between a retaining state (when the supported portion is inserted) and a released state (when removal is needed). This dynamic mechanism enables easy insertion and removal while maintaining reliable retention during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining/restricting portion changes its positional parameter along the sliding direction. When the supported portion is inserted, the retaining/restricting portion moves to a position where its retaining surface contacts the receiving portion, providing strong retention. When force is applied in the sliding direction, it moves to release the retention, enabling easy removal.
2Reliability
If the retaining/restricting portion is positioned to contact the receiving portion, then the supported portion is retained securely, but the supported portion cannot slide freely toward the movable supporting portion
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining/restricting portion is configured to move along the sliding direction based on the position of the supported portion. When the supported portion slides toward the movable supporting portion, the retaining/restricting portion moves accordingly to maintain contact with the receiving portion, ensuring continuous retention without restricting sliding freedom.
3Reliability
If the resilient locking piece locks the locked portion, then the interlock connector is retained firmly, but the structure becomes complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism is divided into two functional segments: the retaining/restricting portion (which provides the locking function through its retaining surface) and the movable supporting portion (which provides support and guidance). This segmentation allows each part to have a simple, focused structure while achieving firm retention when combined.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex resilient locking piece structure is extracted and replaced with a simpler retaining/restricting portion that uses a retaining surface to contact the receiving portion. This extraction eliminates the need for complex elastic deformation mechanisms while maintaining firm retention through direct surface contact.
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 effectively prevents the second component from detaching from the first, ensuring stable relative movement and reducing rattling or vibration, thereby enhancing the reliability and accuracy of component alignment in devices.
Implementation Method 1
The interlock connector is formed with a resilient locking piece
Data Source
AI summary
A movable support structure is provided with a first component including a movable supporting portion and a retaining/restricting portion, and a second component including a supported portion and a receiving portion. The movable supporting portion restricts a movement toward a back side in a sliding direction of the supported portion slid toward the movable supporting portion along a first direction. The slid supported portion is supported movably along the first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The retaining/restricting portion extends in such a posture as to gradually approach the receiving portion from a position separated from the receiving portion on a side opposite to the second component toward a sliding side of the supported portion.