Rotating Link Mechanism for Tool-Free Band Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bands with removable links require tools for adjustment and may not have a simple mechanism for self-removal, necessitating a skilled user with a steady hand.
Innovation Solution
A band design featuring interlocking links with a rotating member, spring-loaded connector, and pin-locking mechanism that allows for tool-free removal and adjustment, where the rotating member can rotate up to ±45 degrees to lock or unlock the links, facilitating easy attachment and detachment without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional removable links are used, then the band length can be adjusted, but tools are required and the mechanism is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The link adjustment mechanism enables self-service operation through a spring-loaded connector that automatically engages and disengages from a pin-locking member when the rotating member is turned. The spring-loaded connector provides automatic locking and unlocking functionality without requiring external tools or complex manual manipulation, allowing users to easily adjust the band length by simply rotating the member.
Solution Approach 2:
The link adjustment mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: a rotating member for user operation, a spring-loaded connector for automatic locking, and a pin-locking member for secure engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional removable links are used, then the band length can be adjusted, but skilled users with steady hands are required
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded connector automatically performs the locking and unlocking actions that would otherwise require skilled manual dexterity. When the rotating member is turned, the spring-loaded connector is pushed inward and automatically disengages from the pin-locking member, providing a self-service mechanism that eliminates the need for skilled users with steady hands.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded connector acts as an intermediary between the rotating member and the pin-locking member, translating the simple rotational motion of the user into the precise linear motion required for locking and unlocking. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the user's task while ensuring reliable operation.
3Ease of operation
If the rotating member rotates ±45 degrees, then the link can be easily unlocked, but the connection stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded connector is pre-loaded with spring force that maintains constant pressure against the pin-locking member, ensuring secure engagement during normal use. When unlocking is required, a preliminary rotational action of the rotating member pushes the spring-loaded connector inward against the spring force, overcoming the pre-loaded condition and disengaging the connection. This preliminary anti-action ensures both stability during use and ease of unlocking when needed.
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
Enables users to adjust the band length easily and securely without requiring tools, providing a user-friendly and tool-free mechanism for removing and adding links, enhancing usability and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded connector of the second interlocking link retracts inside of the rotating member
Data Source
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AI summary
A band (100) includes a plurality of interlocking links (110a-z) or link adjustment mechanisms. An interlocking link (110a-z) or link adjustment mechanism includes a rotating member (120a-z) on a first side (112a-z), and a static member (140a-z) on a second side (114a-z). The rotating member (120a-z) may rotate as much as approximately ±45 degrees with respect to a horizontal axis of a pin (150a-z) in an open/unlocked position. Interlocking links (110a-z) or link adjustment mechanisms interlock with one another, and the rotating member (120a-z) of a first interlocking link or link adjustment member rotates to a closed/locked position. In the closed/locked position, a pin (150a-z) of a second interlocking link or link adjustment member is fully inserted into the pin aperture (170a-z) provided by the rotating member (120a-z) of the first interlocking link or link adjustment member. The pin (150a-z) may include a pin end (154a-z) that may provide a spring-loaded connector that may be secured in the pin aperture (170a-z).