Rotary Locking Arms for Loudspeaker Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding devices experience large fluctuations in fastening forces due to small tolerance fluctuations, leading to inconsistent assembly forces and increased production costs, especially when dealing with round-shaped assembly units like loudspeakers.
Innovation Solution
A holding device with at least three latching arms designed as protruding hooks, where the hooks extend orthogonally to a connecting section, allowing for constant assembly forces even with larger tolerance ranges, and providing secure locking through rotation, reducing production complexity and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional retaining elements are used with small tolerance variations, then secure locking is achieved, but assembly forces fluctuate significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the retaining element by introducing an angled insertion surface instead of a perpendicular surface. This angular parameter allows the hook to slide smoothly over the raised section during insertion, transforming the force application mode and enabling consistent assembly forces while maintaining secure locking engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional aspect by adding the angled insertion surface that creates a sliding motion path. This dimensional change allows the retaining element to engage with the raised section through a controlled slide rather than direct impact, reducing force fluctuations and enabling wider tolerance ranges.
2Force
If tight tolerance specifications are applied to holding devices, then assembly force consistency is improved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the retaining element, specifically the insertion surface angle and hook dimensions, to inherently compensate for tolerance variations. This parameter optimization allows the device to maintain consistent assembly forces without requiring tight manufacturing tolerances, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The angled insertion surface acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs and distributes tolerance variations before they affect the final locking engagement. This pre-cushioning effect ensures consistent assembly forces even when manufacturing tolerances are relaxed, eliminating the need for complex tolerance control measures.
3Manufacturing precision
If spring-loaded locking connections are used to achieve backlash-free mounting, then mounting precision is improved, but locking security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the locking mechanism into two distinct functional parts: the spring-loaded arm that provides mounting precision and backlash-free engagement, and the hook with angled insertion surface that provides secure locking security. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimensional aspect through the angled insertion surface that creates a sliding engagement path. This dimensional change enables the hook to securely lock onto the raised section while the spring-loaded arm maintains precise backlash-free mounting, resolving the contradiction between mounting precision and locking security.
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 ensures consistent assembly forces and secure attachment of assembly units, such as loudspeakers, with reduced production costs and lower reject rates, as the resilient design of the latching arms maintains constant assembly forces across varying tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
The locking arms have a resilient design that ensures consistent assembly forces even with larger tolerance ranges
Data Source
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AI summary
A holding device and an assembly comprising a holding device are described. The holding device has a receptacle with a substantially circular opening. Retaining elements are located in the area of the receptacle's opening, which hold a mounting unit to be secured in the receptacle. The retaining arms are designed as locking arms and each has a protruding hook. By rotating a mounting unit inserted into the receptacle of the holding device, the retaining elements engage corresponding locking projections or recesses on the mounting unit and lock the mounting unit in the receptacle. Mounting units include, in particular, loudspeakers, loudspeaker grilles, lighting devices, etc.