Resilient Hook Mechanism for Easy Unit Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting/disconnecting mechanisms for units like portable ultrasonic diagnosing devices and docking stations are not easily connectable and disconnectable, lacking efficient mechanical and electrical engagement mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism featuring a hook portion with a resiliently inclined branch and a hook receptacle portion with an abutting member, allowing for easy connection and disconnection by reciprocating movement, enhanced by multiple hooks and abutting members for increased strength and a handle for facilitated disconnection, along with electrical connectors and guide rails for positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional hook and hook receptacle mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the connection and disconnection operations are complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hook is designed as a resilient (flexible) component that can dynamically change its position and shape. The resilient hook can elastically deform to engage with or disengage from the hook receptacle, transforming a static connection mechanism into a dynamic one that responds to applied forces, thereby simplifying the connection and disconnection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: the resilient hook portion, the hook receptacle portion, and the abutting member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall operation simpler and more intuitive despite the presence of multiple parts.
2Strength
If the hook is designed with resilient force for easy engagement, then the connection strength is improved, but the disconnection operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The abutting member acts as an intermediary element between the user's disconnection force and the resilient hook. When the user pushes the abutting member, it transmits the force to the resilient hook, causing the hook to move from its engaged position to a disengaged position. This intermediary mechanism allows easy disconnection while maintaining strong connection during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient hook's ability to dynamically change position allows it to maintain strong engagement during connection while easily transitioning to disengagement when force is applied through the abutting member. The dynamic nature of the resilient component resolves the contradiction between maintaining connection strength and enabling easy disconnection.
3Ease of operation
If the hook is made resilient for easy engagement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the connection strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient hook provides dynamic engagement capability, allowing easy connection through elastic deformation. The resilience enables the hook to flex during engagement and maintain secure connection during normal use, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and connection strength.
4Strength
If a single hook is used, then the device complexity is low, but the connection strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is segmented into multiple hooks and corresponding hook receptacles, allowing the connection strength to be distributed across multiple engagement points. This segmentation provides redundant connection paths, ensuring that the overall connection remains strong even if one hook fails or is subjected to excessive force.
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 easy and secure connection and disconnection of units, enhancing the portability and functionality of ultrasonic diagnosing devices by allowing them to be used as standalone or docked systems with improved mechanical and electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
with resilient force being applied in the direction of the branch, the hook being moved in the front end direction with an external force applied thereto and returning to its original position upon extinction of the external force
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting/disconnecting mechanism able to connect and disconnect two units easily, as well as a composite apparatus having such a connecting/disconnecting mechanism, can be provided. A hook portion has a hook, the hook having a branch at a longitudinal front end thereof, the branch having a front-end side face inclined downward toward the front end, with resilient force being applied in the direction of the branch, the hook being moved in the front end direction with an external force applied thereto and returning to its original position upon extinction of the external force, the hook being adapted to reciprocate with respect to the front end direction in a state in which the front end portion is displaced in the direction opposite to the branch to a greater extent than the length of the branch, and a hook receptacle portion has an abutting member adapted to be pushed by the front end of the hook and move when the hook moves in the front end direction and a hook receptacle adapted to engage the branch prior to movement of the hook in the front end direction and move together with the abutting member in a disengaged state from the branch when the hook moves in the front end direction.