Tool-Free Panel Fixing Mechanism for Stable Locking in Tight Spaces
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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 due to small screws and narrow spaces, leading to assembly inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a rotating sleeve and positioning element that uses convex portions and stoppers to securely integrate panels without tools, allowing for intuitive clockwise/counterclockwise rotation for assembly/disassembly and featuring a rotating mechanism with wrenching portions for easy 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 locked, but the assembly process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional multi-component screw system (screw, collar, knob) and replaces it with a simplified integrated locking mechanism. The positioning element directly engages with the docking element through a single rotational motion, extracting the essential locking function while eliminating unnecessary components and steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-operating. The rotating element with positioning element automatically engages with the docking element's convex portion and base, creating a self-locking system that requires no additional tools or manual intervention beyond the initial rotation.
2Reliability
If manual screw locking is used, then secure panel connection is achieved, but screw loss and misalignment occur during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The docking element features an asymmetric design with a convex portion that must align with corresponding features on the positioning element. This asymmetric geometry ensures proper alignment during assembly and prevents misalignment errors, as the components can only engage in the correct orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning element is pre-configured with features that guide its engagement with the docking element. The rotating element's geometry is designed in advance to automatically align with the convex portion and base of the docking element, eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments during assembly.
3Reliability
If multiple positioning screws are used for panel locking, then stable connection is achieved, but disassembly and reassembly become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static multi-screw system to a dynamic single-rotation system. The positioning element rotates to engage and disengage from the docking element, providing a dynamic locking mechanism that is easily reversible. This rotational motion allows for quick assembly and disassembly while maintaining stable connection during operation.
4Reliability
If traditional screw locking is used in narrow spaces, then panel connection is secured, but assembly is hindered by limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into compact functional elements: the docking element with convex portion and base, and the positioning element with rotating element. This segmentation allows the components to be arranged in a space-efficient configuration that fits within narrow spaces while maintaining full locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning element serves multiple functions within a single component: it provides positioning, locking, and alignment functions simultaneously. The rotating element engages with both the convex portion and base of the docking element, creating a universal locking mechanism that eliminates the need for separate alignment and locking operations.
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 a linkage between the rotating sleeve and the 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.