Retaining Spring Connector for Secure Locking Pin Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for locking pins with heads face challenges in achieving high holding forces and preventing unintentional release, often requiring complex assembly and reducing movability due to static and manual adjustment of holding forces.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a base body with a receiving space and a retaining spring that can move from a holding position to a locking position, utilizing contact points or surfaces to block the release of the retaining spring, ensuring secure retention by converting applied force into relative movement between the spring and base body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high permanent holding force is required to ensure high tightness or stability of the connection, then the stability of the connection is improved, but the movability of the connection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic holding force mechanism where the holding force is not permanent but can be adjusted and released. The C-shaped elastic element provides a holding force that can be increased by rotating the adjustment element, and can be released by rotating it further, enabling both stable connection and controlled movability.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding force parameter can be changed by rotating the adjustment element, which modifies the engagement between the adjustment element and the C-shaped elastic element. This allows the holding force to be statically adjusted to different levels, resolving the contradiction between requiring high stability and maintaining movability.
2Reliability
If the holding force is adjusted statically and manually, then the stability of the connection can be controlled, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment element integrates multiple functions: it serves as both the adjustment mechanism for modifying holding force and as the locking mechanism for securing the connection. By combining these functions into a single element, the assembly complexity is reduced while maintaining controlled holding force adjustment capability.
3Reliability
If a C-shaped elastic element is used to provide holding force, then the connection stability is improved, but the risk of unintentional release increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment element acts as an intermediary between the user and the C-shaped elastic element. It provides controlled access to the elastic element, allowing the user to intentionally modify or release the holding force through rotation, while preventing unintentional release by requiring deliberate rotational action.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment element pre-locks the C-shaped elastic element in its holding position by default engagement. To release or adjust the holding force, the user must first overcome this preliminary locking by rotating the adjustment element, thereby preventing unintentional release before intentional action is taken.
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 connector provides improved holding and locking forces, preventing unintentional release while allowing for relative movement, thus enhancing the stability and security of the connection without compromising movability.
Implementation Method 1
a retaining spring (6) held by the base body (4), which has a relative position, referred to as a holding position, relative to the base body (4)
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for connecting a first component to a locking pin of a second component having a head is disclosed. The connector has a base body with a receiving space for receiving the head. A retaining spring is held by the base body is provided, which has a relative position, referred to as the holding position, relative to the base body and which has a protrusion in this holding position protruding into the receiving space. The protrusion in the holding position can be moved in a release direction and projects less far into the receiving space after moving from the holding position in the release direction than in the holding position. Moving the protrusion from the holding position in the releasing direction tensions the retaining spring. When the retaining spring is in the holding position, the base body can be moved relative to the retaining spring along a locking direction.