Optical Waveguide Storage Locking Mechanism Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for storing or handling optical waveguides face challenges in achieving high packing density with low mechanical stress and ensuring secure, yet easily accessible, locking mechanisms due to limited space, particularly with spring pressure pins and rocker arm locking devices being insufficient or unsuitable.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a monolithic plastic injection-molded locking element and holding element, featuring a locking bolt and actuating handle, that securely locks and automatically engages with the receptacle and housing, allowing easy manual unlocking, and requiring minimal additional installation space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If spring pressure pins are used as locking devices, then the device can be simple in structure, but insufficient locking and thus unreliable locking of the receptacle relative to the housing can be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is divided into functional segments: a locking section with locking bolt, an operating section with actuating handle, and a connecting section. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to be resilient and pivotable relative to the holding element, transforming from a static structure to a dynamic component that can automatically engage and disengage. This dynamic capability ensures reliable locking while maintaining simple operation.
2Reliability
If rocker arm locking devices are used, then locking reliability can be improved, but they cannot be used due to cramped spatial conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is nested within the holding element, with the locking element pivotally connected to the holding element. This nested arrangement allows the locking mechanism to be compact while maintaining the reliability of a positive locking action, fitting within the cramped spatial conditions of the device.
3Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then locking reliability is improved, but ease of manual unlocking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is resilient and automatically engages with the holding element when the receptacle is in the correct position, providing self-locking functionality. This ensures secure locking without requiring complex manual intervention, while still allowing easy manual unlocking when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient nature of the locking element allows it to dynamically respond to positioning forces, automatically engaging and disengaging as needed. This dynamic behavior provides both secure automatic locking and easy manual operation.
4Reliability
If additional locking components are added to improve locking reliability, then installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides locking action through the locking bolt, manual operation through the actuating handle, and resilient engagement through its flexible design. This merging eliminates the need for separate components, reducing installation space while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element serves multiple purposes: it acts as a locking mechanism, an operating handle, and a resilient element all in one component. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of parts needed, thereby reducing installation space requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for the storage and handling of optical waveguides or of optical waveguides which extend in at least one cable, having a housing (11) and a holder (12) accommodated in the housing (11), which holder (12) receives assemblies for connecting and/or storing the optical waveguides or the optical waveguides which extend in the or each cable, wherein the holder (12) can be pivoted at least partly out of the housing (11) for easier access to the assemblies which are used for connecting and/or storing the optical waveguides or the optical waveguides which extend in the cables, and wherein the holder (12) can be locked by a locking device (14) with respect to the housing (11) at least in a position which is pivoted out of the housing (11). According to the invention, the locking device (14) comprises a locking element (15) and a holding element (16), wherein the locking element (15) has an actuating portion (18) and a locking portion (17) which are connected to each other via a connecting portion (19) such that the actuating portion (18) and the locking portion (17) engage on the connecting portion (19) on opposite ends thereof and protrude from the connecting portion (19) in different directions, wherein the holding element (16) which is used for fixing the locking device (14) to the holder engages on the locking portion (17) of the locking element (15), and wherein the locking element (15) can be resiliently pivoted with respect to the holding element (16) about a connecting region (25) between the locking portion (17) of the locking element (15) and the holding element (16).