Pivoting Locking Washers for Reliable Axle Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for axially securing an axle in an axle mount are not reliable and easy to operate, especially under conditions of limited visibility and heavy load, such as in the installation of medical devices in an operating room.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising first and second locking washers that pivot into a locking position, secured by locking pins engaging recesses, ensuring the axle is temporarily or permanently locked in place, even in conditions of limited visibility and heavy load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking element with engagement portion and groove is used to secure axle, then axial locking reliability is improved, but the system becomes heavier and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into two separate locking washers (first and second locking washers) that can be independently operated. Each locking washer has its own locking pin and recess arrangement, allowing the securing process to be broken down into discrete, manageable steps that reduce overall system complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a traditional locking element that engages with a groove in the axle, the invention inverts the approach by using locking washers that engage with each other through interlocking pins and recesses. The locking pins extend through recesses in the opposite locking washer, creating a mutual locking mechanism that is both reliable and simpler in design
2Ease of operation
If a hinged ring with quick-release fastener is used for mounting, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of incorrect installation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking washers incorporate visual feedback mechanisms including recesses in the radially outer edge and visible locking pins that allow installers to easily verify when the locking washers are properly positioned and locked. The recesses provide visual confirmation of the locking state without requiring the installer to look for hidden grooves or indicators
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pins act as intermediaries between the two locking washers, mediating the locking action. The pins extend through recesses in the opposite locking washer, creating a clear mechanical and visual indication that the locking process has been completed correctly, eliminating ambiguity about proper installation
3Ease of operation
If locking pins are arranged vertically to engage recesses by gravity, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical arrangement of locking pins allows gravity to automatically guide the pins into the recesses of the opposite locking washer during the locking process. This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for precise manual alignment by the installer, as gravity naturally directs the pins into their correct positions, thereby improving ease of operation while keeping manufacturing precision requirements manageable
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
The system provides easy and reliable axial locking, allowing secure assembly of axles in axle mounts, particularly suitable for medical devices in operating rooms.
Implementation Method 1
If the locking washers are pivoted from the open position to the locking position, the locking pins can automatically engage the respective recesses in the locking washers by gravity
Data Source
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AI summary
Arrangement (Z) suitable for axially securing an axle (A) in an axle mount (N), comprising a first locking washer (S1) and a second locking washer (S2) arranged opposite one another, wherein the locking washer (S1, S2) can be brought into a locking position and an open position by pivoting the locking washer (S1, S2), wherein the locking washer (S1, S2) each have a recess (A1, A2), wherein each locking washer (S1, S2) is assigned a locking pin (ST1, ST2), wherein the recesses (A1, A2) and the locking pins (ST1, ST2) are designed such that by pivoting at least one of the two locking washer (S1, S2) from the open position into the locking position, the respective locking pin (ST1, ST2) engages in the respective recess (A1, A2) and thus pivoting the locking washer (S1, S2) back into the open position positively prevented.