Precision Coupling With Inclined Faces for Play-Free Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing precision couplings in automotive and tool applications fail to compensate for component tolerances, resulting in play between secured components and manipulators, which affects secure retention.
Innovation Solution
A precision coupling design featuring a first coupling half with a pivoted clamping lever and a second coupling half with locking fingers, both having inclined tightening faces, allowing for manual activation to achieve a play-free retention by sliding the flaps and fingers into a locking position, facilitated by a resiliently loaded fixing pin and central positioning stud.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional couplings are used to secure components to apparatus, then the coupling can be closed manually, but component tolerances cannot be compensated and play remains between the secured component and the apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static conventional design to a dynamic self-adjusting system. The resilient fixing pin allows the locking finger to move dynamically during the locking process, automatically compensating for tolerance variations in the clamping bore and active surface, thereby achieving play-free retention through manual activation without complex mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the coupling halves are locked together manually, then the component can be secured to the apparatus, but play remains due to un compensated component tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state and position of the locking finger during the locking process. By allowing the locking finger to move along an inclined surface and be resiliently biased by the fixing pin, the system adapts to tolerance variations in real-time, transforming fixed dimensional parameters into dynamic adjustable ones, thereby achieving both secure retention and play-free operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism performs self-adjustment during the locking process. The resilient fixing pin automatically compensates for tolerance variations between coupling halves without requiring external intervention or complex control systems. The inclined tightening faces guide the self-adjustment process, allowing the mechanism to service itself and eliminate play automatically.
3Ease of operation
If conventional engagement mechanisms are used, then the coupling can be opened and closed, but the inclined tightening faces do not provide adequate clamping force to eliminate play
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient fixing pin acts as a counterbalancing element that provides continuous clamping force. As the locking finger engages the inclined tightening face during manual operation, the resilient pin pushes against the locking finger to maintain adequate contact force, compensating for the mechanical disadvantage of the inclined surfaces and ensuring play-free retention throughout the coupling operation.
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 secure, play-free retention of components on apparatus through manual activation, ensuring uniform clamping force and preventing unwanted movement.
Implementation Method 1
the inclined tightening face of the lateral flap slides along the inclined tightening face of the locking finger and the two coupling halves are thereby pulled against each other
Implementation Method 2
a resiliently loaded fixing pin
Data Source
AI summary
A precision coupling for securing a component to an apparatus. The precision coupling includes a first coupling half for connection to the apparatus and a second coupling half for connection to the component. The first coupling half has a clamping lever configured for pivoting about a pivot axle, the clamping lever having at least one lateral flap with a first inclined tightening face. The second coupling half has at least one locking finger with a second inclined tightening face so that when the clamping lever is pivoted and the first coupling half and the second coupling half are placed against each other in an open position, the at least one lateral flap engages behind the at least one locking finger and the first inclined tightening face slides along the second inclined tightening face and to thereby pull the first coupling half and the second coupling half against each other in order to assume a locking position.