Rotating Member Connecting Structure for Rattle-Free Resin Molding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connecting structures, such as the side lock device in Patent Literature 1, require manual insertion of spherical engaging portions into concave proximal end portions, leading to difficulty in adapting shapes and potential rattling issues.

Innovation Solution

A connecting structure where the rotating support member and rotating member are molded from resin materials, with a support shaft having a regulating portion and sliding contact portion that allows for sliding contact with the holding portion, ensuring continuous circumferential contact and eliminating the need for manual connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If spherical engaging portions are inserted into concave proximal end portions to connect rotating members, then the connecting structure can be formed, but manual operations are required and rattling occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of connectionVSAvoidrattling suppression

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical insertion connection method with a molding integration method. The rotating member and rotating support member are connected through integrated molding where the resin material itself forms the connection structure, eliminating the need for manual insertion of spherical engaging portions into concave portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the rotating member and rotating support member into a single integrated molded product. The connection portion is formed as an integral part of both components through simultaneous or sequential molding, combining what were previously separate assembly steps into one manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If spherical engaging portions are used to connect rotating members, then connection is achieved, but shape adaptation is difficult and manual operations are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection operationVSAvoidshape adaptation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the connection portion from spherical engaging portions to a molded integration structure. The connection portion is designed with specific molding parameters that allow direct formation during the molding process, eliminating the need for complex shape adaptations between spherical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical connection system requiring shape adaptation with a molding-based connection system. The connection structure is defined by mold cavity geometry rather than mechanical component geometry, simplifying the design and manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If rotating members are connected through manual insertion, then connection is achieved, but production time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the connection action during the molding process itself rather than as a subsequent assembly step. The rotating member and rotating support member are connected while still in the molding stage, eliminating post-molding manual operations and increasing production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the molding process and connection operation into a single integrated manufacturing step. What were previously separate operations (molding followed by manual connection) are merged into one continuous process, directly improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12371932B2Rotation member connecting structure and method for manufacturing said structure

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 PIOLAX INC

AI summary

There is provided a connecting structure of a rotating member. One of the rotating support member and the rotating member includes a support shaft. The other of the rotating support member and the rotating member includes a holding portion. The support shaft includes a regulating portion, and a sliding contact portion that is configured to be in sliding contact with an inner periphery of the holding portion. The rotating support member and the rotating member are made of materials that do not join each other when molded from the resin materials. The inner periphery of the holding portion has a shape in which a portion in close contact with the sliding contact portion is continuously formed in a circumferential direction, so that the rotating support member and the rotating member are molded in a state of being connected to each other.