Quick Link Shutter Locking for Major-Axis Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quick links used in acrobatic and mountain activities often malfunction by working off their major axis due to changing stress intensities and directions, causing contact issues between different elements, which can lead to premature deterioration of textile components.
Innovation Solution
A quick link design featuring a body with a central portion separating curved portions, a rotatably and slidably mounted locking ring, and a removable shutter with a fixing means and locking system, allowing rotation when open and preventing rotation when closed, to maintain alignment and reduce contact between elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the quick link is allowed to move and turn freely under varying stresses, then the quick link can adapt to different stress directions, but the quick link works off its major axis and elements come into contact causing premature deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is designed to be rotatable relative to the body when the quick link is open, allowing dynamic adjustment during installation. The shutter can be positioned at different angles to optimize the configuration of elements within the ring. When closed, the shutter becomes fixed in position, providing stable geometric constraints that prevent the quick link from working off its major axis under varying stresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter introduces localized geometric constraints at specific positions within the ring. By strategically positioning the shutter and its interaction elements (such as the rod or protrusion), the design creates localized features that guide element placement and maintain proper orientation without restricting the overall adaptability of the quick link to different loading conditions.
2Strength
If the curved portion of the quick link contacts a metal attachment point, then the connection is strong, but the rough surface deteriorates textile elements more quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter acts as an intermediary element between the metal attachment point and the textile element. When properly positioned, the shutter creates separation between the metal curved portion and the textile, preventing direct contact and the associated deterioration. The shutter may also guide the textile element to contact a different, more suitable surface or to pass through a protected path.
3Reliability
If a locking system is added to prevent quick link rotation, then the quick link maintains alignment, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into discrete, simple elements rather than requiring a complex continuous locking mechanism. The shutter is divided into functional segments (body portion, rotatable section, locking elements) that work together through simple geometric interactions. The locking system uses separate blockers and interaction elements that engage through basic mechanical constraints, avoiding the need for complex springs, cam mechanisms, or multiple moving parts.
Data Source
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AI summary
The quick link has a body (1) defining an open link with two opposite ends. The body (1) includes a straight portion separating two curved portions. A locking ring (2) is mounted to rotate and slide relative to the body (1) with a closed position that closes the link and an open position where the quick link is open. A shutter (3) is mounted to be removable relative to the body (1). The shutter (3) defines a fastening means (4) that secures the shutter (3) to the straight portion and a locking system (5) that secures the shutter (3) to the locking ring (2). The fastening means (4) and the locking system (5) are formed by a ring or a hook.The fixing means (4) and the locking system (5) permit the rotation of the shutter (3) relative to the body (1) when the locking ring is in the open position and prevent the rotation of the shutter when the locking ring (2) is in the closed position.