Rotary Closure Bolt with Spring-Loaded Axial Movement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing twist locks for connecting components are complex to operate and lack a reliable non-positive connection mechanism, often requiring manual effort and being insufficient under conditions like vibrations or thermal cycling.
Innovation Solution
A twist lock design featuring a bolt with a locking extension and a cylindrical receptacle, utilizing guide means with lugs and groove-shaped depressions for spring-loaded axial movement, and an additional screw or threaded pin for enhanced force application, allowing intuitive operation and secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a pivoted lever mechanism is used for locking, then the connection between components can be achieved without tools, but the handling becomes complicated and intuitive actuation is almost impossible
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a pivoted lever that requires complex manual manipulation, the invention inverts the approach by using a straightforward push-button mechanism that actuates the locking bolt directly along its axis. The button's linear motion is transferred to the bolt through guide means, eliminating the need for rotary leverage and making the operation intuitive and simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The push-button mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through spring-loaded operation. When the button is pressed, it automatically engages the guide means and drives the locking bolt into the locked position without requiring external tools or complex manual manipulation. The spring provides the necessary force for both locking and release operations.
2Device complexity
If only spring force is used for fixing components, then the structure remains simple, but the fixing force is insufficient under vibrations or thermal cycling
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two fixing mechanisms into one integrated system: the spring-loaded push-button provides initial positioning and compression force, while the additional screw or threaded pin that can be inserted through the button's through-opening provides enhanced mechanical locking. This combination ensures reliable fixation under vibrations and thermal cycling while maintaining relatively simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static spring-only system to a dynamic system where the spring provides continuous compressive force and the optional screw provides additional mechanical interlocking when needed. The guide means enable the bolt to move dynamically between locked and unlocked positions while maintaining spring preload.
3Ease of operation
If the bolt is guided from and into a locked position with axial longitudinal movement against spring force, then the guide means can convert axial movement into rotary movement, but the handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide means are segmented into distinct functional elements: grooves or cam surfaces in the receptacle that interface with corresponding features on the locking bolt. This segmentation allows the axial movement of the push-button to be cleanly converted to rotary movement of the bolt without requiring a complex integrated mechanism, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the movement conversion capability.
4Reliability
If an additional screw or threaded pin is provided for enhanced force application, then the connection reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The push-button serves multiple functions: it acts as the actuating mechanism for the locking bolt, provides spring-loaded compression force, and simultaneously serves as the guide for the additional screw or threaded pin. This multi-functionality allows the screw to be integrated into the existing button structure rather than requiring a separate complex mounting system, thereby improving connection reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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
Facilitates easy and secure connection of components with reduced manual effort, providing a reliable non-positive connection and improved stability against vibrations and thermal changes.
Implementation Method 1
the bolt executes a spring-loaded axial longitudinal movement when moving in the direction between the initial position and the locking position, wherein the spring is tensioned when the bolt moves in the opposite direction
Implementation Method 2
The guide means consist of at least one projection and groove-shaped depressions shaped in such a way that the bolt, when moving in both directions between the initial position and the locking position, has an axial longitudinal movement against a spring force of the spring member, a subsequent rotary movement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a rotary closure for connecting components, consisting of: a bolt (1) having a locking transverse extension (2); a cylindrical receptacle (3) for the bolt; guiding means between the bolt and the receptacle, the guiding means comprising at least one protrusion (4) on the bolt and groove-shaped recesses (5) in the receptacle. During movement in the direction between the initial position and the locking position, the bolt performs a spring-force-assisted axial longitudinal movement, the corresponding spring (6) being loaded when the bolt is moved in the opposite direction, the spring being arranged within the receptacle and being supported on an inner-wall projection. According to the invention, the bolt has an axially extending through-opening (7), which receives a screw (8), a grub screw or similar element. A first end of the screw engages in a mating screw thread within the receptacle, and a second end of the screw comes into contact with an end face of the pin or with a portion of the locking transverse extension, such that in the locking position an additional force can be applied to the components to be connected.