Rotating Locking Device for Fastening Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for fastening a first element to a second element using a rotatable locking device are complex, difficult to assemble, time-consuming, expensive, unwieldy, and challenging to manufacture, with complications in securing the elements together.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a first element, a second element, and a locking device with a cylinder portion, flange, and axially extending protrusion, where the locking device can be rotated less than one turn to engage the second element, allowing for easy assembly and secure locking using plastic materials, reducing the need for metal and simplifying the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional rotatable locking device is used to fasten the first element to the second element, then the locking function is achieved, but the device becomes complicated and comprises a plurality of parts
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device integrates multiple functional elements into a single unified component. The cylinder portion, flange, and protrusion are combined in one piece that performs both the locking and positioning functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms and reducing the total part count while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed to perform multiple functions: the cylinder portion provides rotational movement for locking, the flange provides positioning and engagement with the aperture, and the protrusion provides the actual locking engagement with the second element. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function.
2Reliability
If a conventional locking device with multiple parts is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the assembly becomes difficult and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is pre-assembled as a single integrated unit with all functional elements (cylinder portion, flange, protrusion) already in their correct positions and orientations. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for complex assembly steps during installation, allowing the entire locking mechanism to be installed in one operation by simply rotating it into place.
3Reliability
If a conventional locking device is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the structure dimensions become unnecessarily large
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed with a compact nested structure where the protrusion is positioned within or near the cylinder portion, and the flange provides a compact radial extension. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall volume and footprint of the locking mechanism while maintaining all necessary functional elements for reliable locking.
4Reliability
If a conventional locking device requiring multiple turns is used, then secure locking is achieved, but the fastening process becomes time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to achieve secure locking with less than one full rotation (less than 360 degrees) of the cylinder portion. The protrusion engages with the second element at an optimal position during the rotation, allowing the locking action to be completed in a partial turn rather than requiring multiple full rotations, thus significantly reducing fastening time while maintaining secure locking.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (10) comprising a first element (11), a second element (12), a third element (14) and a locking device (13) for fastening the first element (11) to the second element (12), wherein the locking device (13) is rotatable to a locked position to connect the first element (11) to the second element (12). The locking device (13) comprises a cylinder portion (17) with a protrusion (19) and an extension (21). The first element (11) is provided with an aperture (23) and a notch (24) for receiving the cylinder portion (17) and the extension (21) of the locking device (13), wherein the locking device (13) is connected to the first element (11) by rotation. The third element (14) is provided with a stop (28) to prevent the locking device (13) from rotating back to a position in which the extension (12) is aligned with the notch (24) after mounting of the locking device (13) in the aperture (23). Disclosed is also a method for assembling the device (10).