Rotary Panel Positioning with Ball Locking for Tool-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional positioning devices using screws or pins are inconvenient due to the risk of injury from sharp tips, the difficulty in finding matching screws or pins during disassembly, and the need for multiple hand tools for different types of fasteners, leading to unstable assemblies and cumbersome operations.
Innovation Solution
A rotary positioning device with a housing, a limit member, a rotary block, an elastic member, and a docking shaft, where the limit member has limiting balls and slots, and the rotary block has elliptical accommodation chambers, allowing for automatic vertical docking and manual rotation unlocking, and featuring a coupling mechanism for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws or pins are used for positioning, then the positioning effect is achieved, but the risk of injury from sharp tips and the need for multiple hand tools increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional screws and pins with a disposable-style positioning mechanism where the positioning pin is integrated into a carrier that is discarded after use. This eliminates the need to handle sharp-tipped screws and pins separately, reducing injury risk while maintaining positioning stability during the critical phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the positioning function with a carrier structure that integrates multiple components (positioning pin, protective cover, and mounting features) into a single unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate hand tools to handle individual screws or pins, as the entire positioning assembly can be installed as one piece.
2Reliability
If screws or pins are used for positioning, then the positioning effect is achieved, but the difficulty in finding matching screws or pins during disassembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning system into a reusable carrier body and a disposable positioning pin assembly. This segmentation allows the carrier to be retained and reused, while only the positioning pin needs to be replaced, making it easier to track and manage fasteners compared to replacing entire screw assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier structure is designed with universal features that can accommodate different positioning pin types and configurations. This multi-functionality allows the same carrier to work with various pin designs, reducing the need to find specific matching fasteners for different applications.
3Reliability
If conventional positioning devices are used, then positioning is achieved, but the complexity of requiring multiple hand tools for different types of fasteners increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple positioning functions into a single integrated carrier assembly that can be installed using one type of tool or even tool-free mechanisms. The carrier incorporates mounting features, positioning elements, and protective structures in one unit, eliminating the need for multiple specialized hand tools required by traditional multi-component fastening systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning device incorporates self-service features such as self-aligning mechanisms, snap-fit connections, and tool-free locking systems that allow installation and adjustment without requiring multiple types of hand tools. The design enables users to complete positioning tasks with minimal tooling, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
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 rotary positioning device enables convenient locking and unlocking operations without being obstructed by surrounding space or objects, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly while minimizing the risk of loss or misplacement of components.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member (4), and a docking shaft (5), wherein the elastic member (4) is sleeved between the outside of the sleeve portion (121) and the rotary block (3)
Implementation Method 2
the limit member (2) is provided with limiting balls (23) in the slots (22) on both sides of the through axial hole (20)
Data Source
AI summary
An application method of a rotary positioning device, which has a limit member, a rotary block and an elastic member mounted in a housing assembled at a preset panel with the steering shaft portion of the rotary block exposed outside the cover, and has the stopper of a docking shaft assembled at another preset panel inserted into the housing and the limit member to pass through two limiting balls and rest on the top of an accommodation chamber. Pulling up the steering shaft portion causes the elastic member to drive rotary slideways of the rotary block and rotation guides of the limit member to slide axially, so as to drive the accommodation chamber of the rotary block to rotate, push the two limiting balls into the slots of the limit member, and abut against the stopper, thus completing the assembly and positioning of the two preset panels.