Rotary Connector Eliminating Spiral Springs via Orthogonal Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing rotary connector devices for automobiles require a spiral spring to temporarily fix the intermediate stationary member, increasing the number of components and reducing assembly workability.
Innovation Solution
A rotary connector device design that eliminates the need for a spiral spring by using engagement and engaged portions on the intermediate stationary member and rotary member, allowing temporary fixation through orthogonal engagement, reducing the number of components and enhancing assembly efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a spiral spring is used to temporarily fix the intermediate stationary member, then the intermediate stationary member can be held at the locked position, but the number of components increases and assembly workability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spiral spring from the mechanism by replacing it with a pure geometric engagement system. The engagement portion on the intermediate stationary member fits into the engaged portion on the rotary member through orthogonal engagement, eliminating the need for elastic components while maintaining the temporary fixation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement portion and engaged portion act as intermediary geometric features that mediate between the intermediate stationary member and the rotary member. These features provide the necessary mechanical interaction for temporary fixation without requiring additional active components like springs.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a spiral spring is used to temporarily fix the intermediate stationary member, then the locked position can be maintained, but assembly workability and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The spiral spring is extracted from the assembly, leaving only the essential geometric engagement features. This reduction in components directly improves assembly workability and productivity while maintaining the locked position maintenance function through the engagement portion and engaged portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement portion and engaged portion are designed to self-align and self-lock through orthogonal engagement. The geometric features automatically maintain the locked position without requiring additional active components or complex assembly procedures, thereby improving productivity.
3Device complexity
If engagement portion and engaged portion are used for orthogonal engagement, then the number of components is reduced, but obstruction and backlash may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs orthogonal engagement where the engagement portion extends in one dimension (radial direction) and the engaged portion extends in another dimension (axial direction). This three-dimensional geometric arrangement allows the components to interlock without obstruction while eliminating backlash through precise dimensional coordination between the orthogonal features.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary connector device capable of reducing the number of components and enhancing assembly workability provided with: a stationary member; a rotary member to be attached to the stationary member to be capable of relative rotation with respect to the stationary member, the rotary member including a steering wheel insertion hole into which an insertion convex portion of a steering wheel is to be inserted; and an intermediate stationary member provided to be movable between a locked position and a lock released position with respect to the rotary member, wherein the intermediate stationary member is provided with a regulating portion, the regulating portion being configured to, at the locked position, regulate relative rotation of the rotary member when the regulating portion is engaged with the stationary member.