Quick-Coupling Locking Mechanism for Tool-Free Abutment Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic and semi-automatic machines require manual intervention and mechanical tools for coupling and locking abutment elements, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and challenging in confined spaces, especially when handling articles or bundles.
Innovation Solution
A quick-coupling unit that uses a positioning device and a locking and blocking mechanism to securely attach a second component to a first component without external mechanical coupling means, utilizing a rotatable locking element with profiled sliding surfaces and preloading elastic means to generate a locking force, allowing rapid coupling and blocking without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If classic mechanical locking means (screws, bolts, nuts) are used to couple components, then reliable mechanical connection is achieved, but manual intervention and tightening tools are required which consume significant time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system uses self-locking features where the locking element automatically engages with the coupling element through its own movement, eliminating the need for external tightening tools. The locking element's geometry allows it to lock itself into place through simple insertion and rotation movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional screw-and-nut mechanical fastening system with a simplified coupling element and locking element mechanism that achieves secure connection through geometric interlocking and elastic deformation rather than threaded fastening.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual tightening operations are performed in confined spaces, then components can be coupled, but the operation becomes problematic due to limited manoeuvring space for tools
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the complex tightening operation from the coupling process by eliminating the need for spanners and other external tools. The coupling mechanism is designed to be operated directly by hand within the confined space, removing the tool accessibility problem entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism performs its own locking action through the movement of the locking element itself, requiring no external tool intervention. The operator simply needs to insert and rotate the locking element, which then secures the connection through its own geometry and the elastic properties of the coupling element.
3Reliability
If operators handle tightening tools in confined spaces, then mechanical connection is achieved, but significant effort and time are required making the operation labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system achieves reliable mechanical connection through the self-locking action of the locking element, which automatically engages with the coupling element's geometry. This eliminates the need for operators to apply significant tightening effort with tools, dramatically improving operational efficiency while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of how mechanical connection is achieved - from force-intensive threaded fastening to geometry-based self-locking through elastic deformation. This parameter change transforms a labor-intensive operation into a simple insertion and rotation movement.
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 rapid and effective coupling and blocking of abutment elements on automatic or semi-automatic machines, eliminating the need for manual tools and reducing operational effort, while maintaining a secure holding force even in tight spaces.
Implementation Method 1
preloading elastic means (6), predisposed and configured in such a way as to exert, on the locking and blocking element (41), an elastic force
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
The quick-coupling unit (100) comprises a first component (1) having a first abutment surface (B1), and a second component (2), comprising a second abutment surface (B2) which bears at least an abutment element (R) for abutting an article or a series of articles, and that it is destined to be coupled to the first component (1). A quick-coupling unit comprises a quick-coupling system (S) of the second component (2) to the first component (1) which comprises: a positioning device (3), arranged on the second component (2), and a locking and blocking device (4), arranged on the first component (1). The positioning device (3) is configured to enable positioning the second component (2) neared to the first component (1) with the second abutment surface (B2) opposite the first abutment surface (B1) and the locking and blocking device (4) is configured so as to receive the positioning device (3) and is activatable to lock and block the positioning device (3) so as to block the second component (2) to the first element (1) with the second abutment surface (B2) abutting and forced against the first abutment surface (B1).