Rotating Socket Fixing Mechanism for Damage-Free Board Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing board-to-board connections in devices like telecommunications office cabinets and industrial computers suffer from component damage due to over-tightening screws and are difficult to disassemble for repair or replacement, with welding complicating disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A directional fixing device comprising a base, socket, fixing member, elastic member, and sliding member, which allows for locking and unlocking actions through a rotating socket mechanism without moving the base, using positioning grooves and a ratchet-shaped locking portion to secure and release board members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If positioning screws with knobs and collars are used to lock board members, then the board members can be securely fixed in position, but the screw heads cause damage such as dents and chipping to the component surfaces due to over-tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a positioning block as an intermediary element that transfers the locking force from the fixing member to the board member without direct contact between the screw head and component surface. The positioning block absorbs the clamping force and prevents it from being transmitted to the board member surface, thereby eliminating dents and chipping while maintaining secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning block is designed as a sacrificial element that can be easily replaced. Instead of protecting the expensive board member surfaces from screw damage, the design accepts that the positioning block will wear or damage first, serving as a disposable protective element that is much cheaper than the board members themselves.
2Strength
If welding is used to assemble components, then the components are securely joined, but it becomes difficult to disassemble components for repair or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the fixing member can rotate within the socket to transition between locked and unlocked states. The positioning block can be inserted into or removed from positioning grooves through rotational motion, allowing the joint to be strongly locked during operation but easily released when needed, enabling both strong assembly and simple disassembly for repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing system is divided into separate functional components: the fixing member (screw), the socket (receiving structure), and the positioning block (locking element). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - providing both strong mechanical connection and easy disassembly capability through the modular design.
3Ease of operation
If a rotating socket mechanism is used for locking and unlocking, then assembly and disassembly become easy, but the device complexity increases with multiple components including base, socket, fixing member, elastic member, and sliding member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The socket simultaneously serves as the receiving structure for the fixing member, the guide for the positioning block, and the rotation mechanism for locking/unlocking. The fixing member integrates both the screw function and the rotation capability, reducing the need for separate actuating mechanisms and simplifying the overall device despite its operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each component is designed with multi-functionality to reduce the total number of parts. The elastic member provides both the driving force for the positioning block and the resetting force after locking. The sliding member serves as both the actuator for moving the positioning block and the indicator for the locked/unlocked state, eliminating the need for separate actuators and indicators.
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
Prevents component damage from over-tightening screws and facilitates easy assembly and disassembly of board members, ensuring quick identification of locked or unlocked states for efficient maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member (33) sleeved on the outside of the rod body
Data Source
AI summary
A directional fixing device includes a base including a barrel, an annular portion and a channel, a socket set outside the barrel and having a top operation indication structure, a pointing convex portion protruding from the operation indication structure and a lifting structure recessed inside the operation indication structure, the lifting structure being formed from top to bottom with a first positioning groove, a guide ramp and a second positioning groove; a fixing member mounted with an elastic member and having a rod body provided with a through hole at the top and a positioning block at the bottom; and a sliding member fixed through the through hole of the fixing member with one end thereof stopped against the second positioning groove to form positioning.