Rotating Pin Quick-Release Coupling Without Latch Geometry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quick-release mechanisms are dependent on spring-biased latches and unique geometries, which can fail or become compromised, leading to unreliable engagement and disengagement of components.
Innovation Solution
A quick release mechanism featuring a male member with a locking pin and a female member with a counterbored cavity, a locking joint, a spring for securing the locking pin, and a bearing for enabling rotation, allowing for secure engagement and disengagement without relying on spring forces or specific geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring-biased latch and unique geometry track are used for quick-release mechanism, then rapid connection and disconnection is achieved, but the system becomes dependent on components that can break or lose spring force, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring-biased latch and unique geometry track from the system, replacing them with a simplified mechanism using a laterally movable locking pin and longitudinal slit. This extraction eliminates the problematic components while maintaining the quick-release function through direct mechanical engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: a locking pin that can move laterally between locked and unlocked positions, and a longitudinal slit that guides the pin's movement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving reliability.
2Ease of operation
If a spring-biased latch system is used, then quick release function is achieved, but the complexity of the system increases due to dependence on spring forces and precise geometrical track
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex spring-biased latch mechanism and its associated geometrical track, replacing them with a simpler system using a laterally movable locking pin and longitudinal slit. This reduces the number of components and eliminates the need for precise track geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a spring to force the latch along a track, the patent inverts the approach by using a laterally movable locking pin that directly engages with a longitudinal slit. The movement is guided by the slit's geometry rather than a complex track, simplifying the overall mechanism.
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 reliable and efficient interchangeability of dental tools by maintaining the locking pin within a recess through a restoring force, ensuring consistent operation without the need for springs or precise geometries.
Implementation Method 1
a spring for securing the locking pin within the locking joint
Implementation Method 2
a bearing for enabling rotation of the elongated shaft within the counterbored cavity with respect to the spring
Data Source
AI summary
A quick release mechanism includes a male member including a locking pin, a female member including a cavity for receiving the male member, a locking joint on the female member including a longitudinal bore for receiving the male member, a longitudinal slit for receiving the locking pin, and a locking recess for capturing the locking pin, a spring within the cavity for securing the locking pin within the locking recess, and a bearing enabling rotation of the male member within the cavity. The male member engages the female member by guiding the locking pin into the slit and compressing the spring until the locking pin is released from the slit into the cavity. The locking pin is then able to shift into the locking recess by rotating the male member. The spring exerts a force onto the male member to maintain the locking pin within the locking recess.