Retractable Key Device Assembly via Single Orifice Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable key devices have complex assembly processes requiring multiple parts and steps, leading to increased complexity and difficulty in assembly.
Innovation Solution
A simplified retractable key device design featuring a housing with a key ejection mechanism that includes a pivot, a button, an elastic member, and a shaft, which can be assembled by inserting these elements through a single assembly orifice, reducing the number of parts and steps needed for assembly, and allowing for a one-piece housing without half-shells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ejection mechanism uses multiple parts (pin, pivot piece, spring, cap) assembled in multiple steps, then the device achieves functional reliability, but the assembly complexity and number of steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pin and pivot piece into a single integrated pivot component. This pivot includes a head portion that receives the spring and cap, and a shaft portion that functions as the pin to engage with the housing. By merging these two previously separate components into one, the patent reduces the number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining the functional reliability of the ejection mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the spring and cap are positioned within the head portion of the pivot. The spring is received in a recess of the pivot head, and the cap is positioned over the spring, creating a nested structure. This nesting allows multiple functional elements to be contained within a single component, reducing assembly complexity while preserving the ejection function
2Stability of the object's composition
If the housing uses two half-shells with notches and tabs to prevent rotation, then the structure provides rotational constraint, but the number of parts and assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two half-shell components into a single one-piece housing. The housing includes an integrated button orifice and positioning features that eliminate the need for separate half-shells with interlocking notches and tabs. This consolidation maintains the rotational constraint function while reducing the number of parts and simplifying assembly
3Manufacturing precision
If the assembly process requires pre-assembling pin and pivot piece, then proper positioning is achieved, but the assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot component is designed with pre-formed features including the head portion with recess, the shaft portion with engagement features, and the keyway. These features are manufactured as integral parts of the pivot, eliminating the need for pre-assembly operations. The pivot can be directly installed in a single positioning action, reducing assembly time while maintaining precision through the pre-formed geometric features
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 simplifies the assembly process by allowing all components to be inserted in the same direction, eliminating the need for reorienting the case and reducing the number of assembly steps, resulting in a more straightforward and efficient assembly method.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member able to urge said pivot in rotation when said button is in its actuated position
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The device (1) has a cylindrical knob (10) movable between actuated and neutral positions where the knob permits and avoids rotation of a pivot (5) with respect to a case (2), respectively. A retractable key ejection mechanism has an axle (12) co-operated with the pivot to guide the pivot in rotation. A helical spring (13) integrates the pivot in rotation, when the knob is in actuated position. A bottom wall (3) has an assembling orifice (14) through which the knob, spring and the axle are passed, during a mechanism assembling, after the pivot is inserted between the wall and a top wall (4). An independent claim is also included for a method for assembling a retractable key device.