Rotary Locking Mechanism for Precise Mechanical Component Positioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking systems for mechanical components, such as vises on machine tools, are prone to play and wear due to numerous sliding mechanical elements, leading to reduced positioning accuracy and increased maintenance needs.

Innovation Solution

A locking system featuring a platform with locking seats and a single rotary retention element that directly engages all locking pins without intermediate sliding elements, utilizing a rotary actuator with an eccentric tab to rotate the retention element between locking and releasing positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple sliding locking inserts are used to engage locking pins, then the locking system can securely hold mechanical components, but the system becomes highly susceptible to wear and play, reducing positioning accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking securityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the intermediate sliding locking inserts from the system, directly engaging the locking pins with the platform's retention means. This extraction of the problematic sliding elements eliminates the source of wear and play while maintaining locking security through direct mechanical engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new intermediary mechanism - a cam-shaped retention means that rotates to engage or disengage locking pins directly. This cam mechanism serves as a mediator that provides secure locking without requiring multiple sliding inserts, thereby maintaining reliability while improving positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sliding mechanical elements are used in the retention means, then the locking system can accommodate and secure locking pins, but the system requires frequent maintenance and replacement due to wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking pin accommodationVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple sliding locking inserts into a single rotating cam-shaped retention means. This consolidation maintains the ability to accommodate and secure locking pins while eliminating the multiple sliding surfaces that require maintenance, thereby reducing maintenance frequency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the sliding mechanical system with a rotating cam mechanism. This substitution eliminates the sliding contact that causes wear, thereby maintaining locking pin accommodation capability while significantly reducing maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If a screw-type actuator with sliding transmission elements is used, then the locking inserts can be actuated between locking and releasing positions, but the system becomes complex and highly subject to play

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the screw-type actuator and its associated sliding transmission elements from the system. Instead, it employs a simpler direct actuation mechanism where the retention means can be rotated to achieve locking and releasing positions, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining actuation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the actuation approach by using a rotating cam mechanism instead of a linear screw-driven sliding system. This inversion simplifies the mechanism by eliminating multiple transmission stages, reducing device complexity while preserving the ability to actuate between locking and releasing positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 system reduces wear and play, enhancing positioning accuracy and reliability while minimizing the need for maintenance or replacement interventions.

Implementation Method 1

a rotary actuator with an eccentric tab to rotate the retention element between locking and releasing positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentUS20250033154A1Locking system for mechanical components

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 OFFICINA MECCANICA LOMBARDA SRL

AI summary

A platform has a support surface for a mechanical component and is provided with at least two locking seats. The locking seats coaxially receive respective locking pins which are fixed to a mechanical component and are provided with respective circumferential grooves adapted to be restrainedly engaged by retention elements associated with the platform. The retention elements comprise a rotary retention element that can rotate about an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the support surface for rotating between a releasing position and a locking position upon control of actuation elements, and is provided with a peripheral edge which, at each of the locking seats, has a contoured surface so as to restrainedly engage the grooves when the rotary retention element is in the locking position, and disengage the grooves when the rotary retention element is in the releasing position.