Pivoting bracket
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swivel fittings with metallic spring elements produce loud locking noises due to high force engagement of pawls with the toothing, causing annoying noise during pivoting.
Innovation Solution
A swivel fitting with a spring element partially made of elastomeric material, such as plastics or rubber, reduces spring forces and noise by applying minimal force to the pawls, and is designed to avoid unnecessary compression and settling, allowing for quieter operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metallic spring element is used to hold the pawls in a latched position, then the locking mechanism is functionally reliable with sufficient spring force, but loud latching noises are generated during pivoting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the spring element from metallic to elastomeric, which fundamentally alters the spring force characteristics and noise generation. The elastomeric material provides sufficient holding force while significantly reducing the impact forces that cause loud latching noises during pivoting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an elastomeric spring element that combines the spring functionality with noise-damping properties inherent in elastomeric materials. This composite approach integrates both the mechanical function of holding pawls in position and the acoustic function of reducing latching noises into a single component.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the spring forces are reduced to minimize latching noises, then the noise level decreases, but the holding force on the pawls becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric material enables a different force-displacement relationship compared to metallic springs. It provides adequate holding force at static positions while allowing greater force deflection during dynamic pivoting, effectively reducing peak forces during noise-generating events while maintaining functional reliability.
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
Significantly reduces latching noises during pivoting by minimizing spring forces and maintaining elastic behavior, ensuring functional reliability and quiet operation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (9) which is rotatably mounted about the axis (6) and comprises, on its radially outer area adjacent to the toothing (4), a contact surface (10) which bears against a pawl (5). The spring element (9) essentially only applies a spring force to the at least one pawl (5) when the pawl (5) is not arranged in a latched position on the toothing (4)
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A pivoting fitting (1) comprises a first tab (2) and a second tab (3) which are mounted so as to be rotatable relative to each other about an axis (6), and a locking mechanism having at least one pawl (5) and toothing (4), wherein the pawl (5) can be engaged in the toothing in a plurality of positions and permits a pivoting movement of the first tab (2) with respect to the second tab (3) in a first direction and blocks movement in an opposing direction, and wherein at least one control element (14) is provided to disengage the at least one pawl (5) from the toothing (4) and then to pivot the first tab (2) with respect to the second tab (3) in the second direction through an angle, wherein the at least one pawl (5) is retained by a spring element (9) in a position engaged in the toothing (4), wherein the spring element (9) is at least partially made from an elastomer material. In this way, the pivoting fitting (1) can be pivoted with little noise.