Pivotable Coupling Element for Child Seat Rotation Independence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling mechanisms for child seat transporting systems face limitations in transmitting forces while maintaining independence of rotation from the distance and position between components, restricting design freedom and compact geometry.
Innovation Solution
A coupling mechanism featuring a pivotable coupling element with a slotted hole and hooks that allows forces to be transmitted from a pen to an axis, enabling rotation independent of the pen's distance and position, and automatically locks in place, providing a strong and versatile connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional coupling mechanism is used to transmit forces from a pen to an axis, then force transmission is achieved, but the rotation of the hook becomes dependent on the distance and position between the pen and the axis, restricting design freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling element as an intermediary component between the pen and the axis. This coupling element includes a hook that can rotate about an axis and a coupling surface that can be engaged by the pen. The intermediary coupling element decouples the rotational motion from the direct connection between pen and axis, allowing the hook to rotate independently regardless of the pen's position or distance from the axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the pen, the coupling element with hook, and the axis. By dividing the force transmission path into separate segments, each component can perform its specific function independently. The hook segment handles rotation, the coupling surface segment handles force application, and the axis segment handles force reception, allowing independent optimization of each part.
2Strength
If the coupling element is made robust to ensure strong coupling, then connection strength is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element incorporates dynamic characteristics through the spring element that biases the hook toward the engaged position. The spring provides a restoring force that automatically returns the hook to its coupled state after rotation, eliminating the need for manual resetting. This dynamic mechanism maintains strong coupling while automating the operation cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through the spring-biased hook system. When the pen applies force to the coupling surface, the hook automatically rotates into the engaged position and locks there through the spring's restoring force. The system self-regulates and maintains coupling without requiring external intervention or complex control mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the coupling mechanism allows automatic resetting through spring force, then ease of operation is improved, but additional components increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is integrated directly into the coupling element structure, merging the resetting function with the existing hook mechanism. Rather than adding a separate resetting device, the spring is incorporated as part of the coupling element's internal structure, allowing automatic resetting without significant increase in overall system complexity.
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
Enables efficient force transmission and design flexibility, allowing for a compact and sturdy child seat transporting system that can be easily detached and reattached to various supports, enhancing usability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling element is pivotable against spring force from the first to the second position, in which second position the coupling element is lockable. Due to the spring force the coupling element will be automatically move to the first position as soon as the coupling element is being unlocked from its the second position.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling mechanism for coupling a first component to a second component. The first component comprises at least one coupling element provided with at least a first hook. The coupling element is pivotable about a pivot axis. The second component comprises at least a first pen. The coupling element is pivotable between a first position wherein the first pen is disconnected from the first hook and the first and second component can be decoupled from each other and a second position wherein the first pen is located in the first hook and the first and second component are detachably coupled to each other.