Retaining Cam for Honeycomb Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-release systems are unsuitable for honeycomb panels due to their large overall height and difficulty in adjusting preload, making it challenging to achieve a flat design and thin plate attachments, especially in lightweight construction applications.
Innovation Solution
A retaining cam with a non-rotationally symmetrical design, incorporating a spring element and a cam element with guide contours that allow limited movement, enabling preload generation and tolerance compensation, while maintaining a low overall height and allowing for thin plate attachments through a countersunk pin design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If existing quick-release systems are used in honeycomb panels, then the fastening function is achieved, but the overall height becomes large and the design cannot be flat
Solution Approach 1:
The cam element is nested within the housing of the retaining cam assembly. The cam element can move laterally within the housing along guide contours, allowing the entire mechanism to be contained within a compact cylindrical form factor that fits into honeycomb panel cells without requiring excessive height
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional lateral cam mechanisms to an axial movement mechanism. The cam element moves primarily in the axial direction (along the longitudinal axis) rather than laterally, enabling the mechanism to achieve its function within a reduced height envelope while still providing the necessary quick-release capability
2Reliability
If existing quick-release systems are used, then fastening is achieved, but preload adjustment is difficult and tolerances cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is integrated directly into the retaining cam assembly, specifically positioned between the cam element and the housing. This merging of the spring mechanism with the cam assembly eliminates the need for separate preload adjustment mechanisms while providing both tolerance compensation and reliable preload generation in a unified structure
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element automatically compensates for manufacturing tolerances and provides consistent preload without requiring external adjustment. The cam element's axial movement within the housing, guided by the guide contours, allows the spring to self-adjust and maintain optimal preload conditions across varying installation tolerances
3Length of stationary object
If a countersunk head pin is used, then the panel can be made thin and ergonomic, but lateral tolerance compensation through the pin is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The cam element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the pin and the housing. It provides lateral tolerance compensation through its movement within the housing, decoupling the pin's primary axial function from lateral alignment requirements, thereby allowing the use of countersunk head pins without sacrificing tolerance compensation capability
4Stability of the object's composition
If the guide contours are non-rotationally symmetrical, then rotational and axial support is provided in honeycomb panels, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide contours on both the cam element and housing are designed with non-rotational symmetry, featuring specific angular orientations that provide inherent rotational and axial support. This asymmetric geometry prevents unwanted rotation while guiding axial movement, delivering stability directly through the contour design rather than requiring additional support structures
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
The solution enables a quick-release system that is flat, ergonomic, and provides reliable attachment to honeycomb panels with minimal protrusion, effectively compensating for tolerances and supporting required torques, while maintaining preload and preventing unintentional opening.
Implementation Method 1
The mobility along the longitudinal axis makes it possible to resiliently guide the cam element within the housing, whereby preload can be generated and tolerances in the clamping thickness can be compensated
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4a~5e
Figure 6a~7b
AI summary
The invention relates to a retaining cam and a rapid closure system having such a retaining cam. The retaining cam has a cam element (6) which has an opening along a longitudinal axis (1) and which has a guide contour (14) at least in some regions on the outer face thereof, and an internal contour (13) on the inner face thereof, for connecting to a closing pin (2), and has an at least approximately sleeve-like housing (5) which, at least in some regions, has a securing contour (9, 10, 11) on the outer face thereof for anchoring in a hole in a component (4) and, at least in some regions, has a guide contour on the inner face thereof for the cam element (6). The securing contour (9, 10, 11) is not rotationally symmetrical and is formed with at least one radial protrusion (9, 10). The guide contours (14) of the cam element (6) and of the housing (5) are also not rotationally symmetrical and are designed and matched to one other such that the cam element (6) is movably guided within the housing (5) to a limited extent in the direction of the longitudinal axis (l) and perpendicular thereto.