Polygonal Locking Neck Telescopic Coupling Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plastic containers lack the ability to adjust size effectively for accommodating a wide range of objects, and there is a need for a mechanism to securely couple two elements about a common axis while allowing for axial adjustment.

Innovation Solution

A system featuring a polygonal locking neck with arresting members and angular locking mechanisms that allows for telescopic axial coupling between two members, enabling adjustable axial alignment and secure locking, allowing for both telescopic and angular displacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-size container is manufactured for a specific object, then the container fits the object precisely, but the container cannot accommodate objects of different sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize adjustabilityVSAvoidcoupling mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container employs a dynamic telescopic coupling mechanism where the first and second members can axially displace relative to each other. The polygonal portion of the second member slides within the polygonal locking neck of the first member, enabling the container to adjust its effective size by extending or retracting the telescopic sections, thus accommodating objects of varying dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The design implements a nested structure where the second member is partially received within the first member through the polygonal locking neck. This nesting arrangement allows one container component to be inserted into another, creating a compact configuration that can expand when needed while maintaining a space-efficient form when retracted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the polygonal portion is freely displaceable within the locking neck, then axial adjustment is enabled, but axial displacement cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial adjustabilityVSAvoidaxial position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism features self-locking elements including arresting members with arresting portions and locking teeth that automatically engage to prevent axial displacement. When the polygonal portion is rotated to a specific angular position, the locking teeth on the second member engage with the arresting portions on the first member, creating a self-locking condition that maintains the adjusted axial position without requiring additional active components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The polygonal cross-section design creates asymmetric engagement surfaces where the flat face portions and arresting portions are positioned at specific angular orientations. This asymmetry ensures that when the members are rotated into the locked position, the geometric features align to prevent reverse rotation and axial displacement, providing inherent positional stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If angular displacement is allowed during locking, then selective axial arresting is achieved, but the locking mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The design merges the angular locking and axial locking functions into a single integrated mechanism. The same polygonal features that enable angular rotation also provide the locking surfaces for axial arrest. The arresting members and locking teeth are positioned such that angular displacement of the polygonal portion simultaneously achieves both angular alignment and axial position locking, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10906695B2Coupling system and an article employing same
Publication Date: 2021.02.02 PLASEL PLASTIC
  • US10906695B2 patent drawing
  • US10906695B2 patent drawing
  • US10906695B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for axial coupling a first member with a second member is provided. The first member comprises a polygonal locking neck telescopingly receiving a polygonal portion of the second member. An inside wall of the locking neck comprises at least one arresting member and an angular locking member, configured for selectively arresting the angular arresting member and retaining the second member at a locked position. An inside face of the polygonal portion of the second member comprises a flat face portion and an arresting portion extending at a reflex angle with respect to the flat face portion, and a plurality of locking teeth disposed along the arresting portion, each configured for engaging with the at least one arresting member. The flat face portion is partitioned from the arresting portion by an axially extending angular arresting member configured for arresting by the locking member.