Polygon Fitting Assembly for Secure Mechatronic Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mechatronic locking systems face issues with connections between transmitting elements and coupling mechanisms that can loosen over time, leading to system failure, and are difficult to install correctly, with existing solutions either being complex or lacking sufficient tensile strength.
Innovation Solution
A fitting arrangement with a fixing element that secures the transmitting element, such as a polygon, within the locking system, preventing movement along its longitudinal axis and ensuring correct orientation, using a spring-like holding area and projections to maintain a permanent, high-tensile connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If setscrews are used to secure the transmitting element in the counterpart, then the connection can be easily installed, but the connection loosens over time leading to system failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the setscrew mechanical fastening system with a plastic retaining element that uses elastic deformation and geometric interlocking. The retaining element is inserted through a bore in the counterpart and engages with the transmitting element through a retaining groove, creating a permanent connection that cannot loosen over time while maintaining ease of installation through a simple insertion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the retaining element from rigid (setscrew) to elastic-plastic (injected plastic). The plastic material allows the retaining element to be deformed during insertion and then maintains a permanent engaged state, preventing the connection from loosening while keeping the installation process simple and tool-free.
2Ease of manufacture
If the transmitting element is inserted into the counterpart during installation, then the connection can be made, but it is impossible to determine correct orientation leading to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric geometric features on both the transmitting element and the retaining element to ensure correct orientation. The transmitting element has a specific shape with flat sides and rounded corners, while the retaining element has corresponding asymmetric engagement features that only fit in the correct orientation, providing tactile and visual feedback during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color coding to indicate correct orientation of the transmitting element and retaining element. Different colors are applied to specific surfaces or features, allowing installers to quickly identify the correct orientation before insertion, eliminating guesswork and ensuring proper alignment during the installation process.
3Reliability
If a permanent connection with high tensile strength is achieved, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the single retaining element: it serves as both the fastening mechanism (replacing setscrew) and the orientation guide (through asymmetric features). The retaining element integrates the connection function, the positioning function, and the orientation indication function, reducing overall device complexity while achieving permanent, high-strength connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical retention, orientation guidance, and installation guidance. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing complexity while maintaining connection permanence and strength.
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 solution enhances the reliability and ease of assembly of mechatronic locking systems by preventing loose connections and ensuring proper orientation, while maintaining high tensile strength and compatibility with existing installations.
Implementation Method 1
using a spring-like holding area and projections to maintain a permanent, high-tensile connection
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a fitting assembly for a mechatronic locking system for transmitting a rotary movement. The fitting assembly comprises a polygon 1, a polygon receptacle 2, and a fixing element 6, wherein the polygon is fixed in a recess 2 of the polygon receptacle 3 by the fixing element 6. The fixing element 6 includes a retaining area 6.1 and a projection 6.2. The polygon receptacle 2 has a circumferential surface 9 and an opening 10 extending radially from the circumferential surface 9 into the recess 3, perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 4 of the recess 3. The retaining area 6.1 at least partially encompasses the circumferential surface 9, thereby holding the projection 6.2 in a position extending through the opening 10 into the recess 3. The fixing element securing the polygon is inaccessible from the outside when the fitting assembly is mounted.