Operation Rod Connection Structure for Quick Tip Tool Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection structures for long-reach operation rods, such as screw fastening types, face difficulties in efficiently attaching and detaching tip tools due to the complexity of releasing the locking mechanism, especially when deep engagement is required, which hampers work efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A connection structure featuring an engagement pair with a main body, a moving body, and a floating piece that can be fitted into a recessed part, allowing for easy locking and unlocking by sliding components, enabling quick attachment and detachment of tip tools without the need for extensive rotation or force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional connection structure with a separate locking member is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking member is integrated into the operation rod as a unified structure. The locking protrusion is formed as an integral part of the operation rod body, eliminating the need for separate locking components. This merging reduces the number of parts, simplifies the overall structure, and maintains the locking function through the interaction between the locking protrusion and locking groove.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The operation rod serves multiple functions: it transmits actuating force, provides positioning through the locking protrusion, and enables easy release through the release groove. The integrated design allows the same component to perform locking, positioning, and force transmission functions simultaneously, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a conventional connection structure with a separate locking member is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionVSAvoidconnection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By forming the locking protrusion as an integral part of the operation rod through forging or casting, the connection between locking components is eliminated. This reduces the number of interfaces requiring precise alignment and machining, thereby lowering manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining locking reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism uses geometric parameters (protrusion and groove shapes) that are optimized for functional reliability rather than precise dimensional tolerances. The design allows for parameter variations within standard manufacturing ranges while maintaining effective locking, reducing the need for high-precision manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Force

If the operation rod is firmly connected to the fastener, then force transmission is effective, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuating force transmissionVSAvoidrelease operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the operation rod and fastener is designed to be dynamically controllable. During normal operation, the locking protrusion firmly engages the locking groove to transmit actuating force effectively. During release, the release groove allows the protrusion to disengage easily when force is applied in the opposite direction, providing ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection interface is segmented into distinct functional zones: the locking protrusion for force transmission, the locking groove for engagement, and the release groove for easy disengagement. This segmentation allows the same connection structure to provide both firm force transmission during operation and easy release when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If a complex connection structure is used, then the locking reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking member is combined with the operation rod as a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate parts and assembly steps. This merging simplifies manufacturing processes such as forging, casting, or machining, while the integrated locking protrusion maintains reliable locking function through its geometric design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3656510B1Connection structure of operation rod
Publication Date: 2023.06.21 NAGAKI SEIKI CO LTD
  • EP3656510B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3656510B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3656510B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(c)

AI summary

Provided is a connection structure of an operation rod in which a connection object such as a tip tool can be easily attached to and detached from the operation rod in a relatively short time without causing a fixed state. The main body 2 is inserted into the cylindrical operation rod 100 on the tip side thereof. An engagement pair 9 is formed of an engagement part 10 with a notch 10a provided to the main body 2 on a tip side thereof and an engagement part 11 with an engagement pin 11a provided to a tip tool 101. An inner slider 6 on which a recessed groove 6a is formed in a circumferential direction is relatively slidably disposed to the main body 2 on an inner diameter side thereof. An outer slider 8 is relatively slidably disposed to the main body 2 on an outer diameter side thereof, wherein an opposing recess 8a which can oppose to the recessed grove 6a is formed on the outer slider 8. In the main body 2, a through-hole 2a is radially formed in a region between the inner and outer sliders 6, 8, and a locking member 4 is loosely arranged in the through-hole 2a. The locking member 4 is longer than the through-hole 2a, and at least one end of the locking member 4 on an inner side or an outer side constantly protrudes out of the main body 2.