Tool-Free Panel Fixing Mechanism for Secure Modular Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices for panels in machine tools are prone to screw loss, require cumbersome manual assembly, and hinder efficient modular production, leading to increased production costs and assembly difficulties due to screw size and hole alignment issues.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a rotating sleeve and positioning element that uses convex portions and stoppers to securely integrate panels without tools, featuring a rotating mechanism with wrenching portions and pivot holes for intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If positioning screws with knobs and collars are used to lock panels, then the panels can be securely fixed, but the assembly process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional screw, knob, and collar components entirely, extracting only the essential locking function. The positioning element directly engages with the docking element through a simplified structure that achieves secure fixation without the cumbersome multi-component assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple components (screw, knob, collar) into a single integrated positioning element. This consolidation maintains the securing function while dramatically simplifying the assembly operation to a single action, resolving the contradiction between reliability and assembly time
2Reliability
If multiple positioning screws are used for panel locking, then secure fixation is achieved, but screws are prone to falling off or being lost during disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the screw component entirely from the system, replacing it with a screwless positioning mechanism. The positioning element with its positioning portion directly engages the docking element, eliminating screws and thus completely preventing screw loss during disassembly and reassembly operations
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning element is designed to be self-retaining through its geometric features (positioning portion and docking element engagement). The structure inherently prevents loss during disassembly, as the positioning element cannot fall off or be misplaced, and automatically guides reassembly through its alignment features
3Ease of manufacture
If manual screw locking is used, then panels can be assembled, but the process is inconvenient and affects production efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical screw-locking system with a simplified positioning mechanism. The positioning element with its positioning portion engages the docking element through direct geometric interaction, eliminating the need for manual screw manipulation and significantly improving production efficiency while maintaining assembly capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the assembly function into distinct geometric features (positioning portion, docking element, alignment features) that work together through simple engagement. This segmentation allows for quick, tool-free assembly while maintaining secure panel connection, directly addressing the productivity issue
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a docking element having a through hole on the base thereof and two fixing portions at two sides of the base for fixing to a preset first panel, a positioning mechanism, and a rotating mechanism. Turning the rotating element generates linkage between the rotating sleeve and positioning element, and forms a rotating and lifting displacement for the positioning sleeve set inside the rotating sleeve to generate a clamp and cause the positioning element to generate a rotating and lifting displacement. Through the positioning portion of the positioning element, it passes through the through hole of the docking element and is held against the base of the docking element to achieve a solid combination of the preset first panel and the preset second panel. It has the purpose of being stable and not easy to loosen and break away, and has the effect of easy operation.