Rotating Stop Point Coupling for Tool-Free Torque Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing attachment points with roller bearing bodies face challenges in decoupling torque between the top and lower parts, making it difficult to achieve torque-friendly coupling and free rotation.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable clutch bolt is used as a clutch agent, held externally and featuring a radial coupling section that can be manually adjusted to couple the top to the lower part, allowing for free rotation when the clutch bolt is no longer operated.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a locking pin is used to achieve torque-locking coupling between upper and lower parts, then torque transmission is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to alignment requirements and external protrusions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmissionVSAvoidcoupling operation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a locking pin that extends outward from the upper part, the invention inverts the approach by using a coupling bolt that extends inward into the upper part from the lower part. This inversion eliminates external protrusions on the upper part and allows the coupling bolt to be accessed and operated from the lower part side, simplifying the coupling operation while maintaining torque transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling bolt acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the upper and lower parts. It provides a controlled interface for torque transmission while allowing for easy engagement and disengagement. The coupling bolt's design with external protrusions on its cylindrical section enables simple manual operation without requiring precise alignment between upper and lower parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If rotational drive contours are designed for tool engagement, then torque-locking capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates when gloves are worn

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque-locking capabilityVSAvoidmanual coupling
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling bolt design allows the operator to perform the coupling operation directly on the lower part without needing to manipulate the upper part or use tools. The external protrusions on the coupling bolt's cylindrical section provide ergonomic grip points that can be easily accessed even when wearing gloves, enabling self-service coupling operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If axial adjustability is blocked by roller bearings, then rotational stability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to alignment constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational stabilityVSAvoidassembly alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the coupling function from the bearing function. The coupling bolt handles the torque transmission and coupling operation independently, while the roller bearings handle the rotational support. This segmentation allows the upper and lower parts to be manufactured and assembled independently without requiring precise alignment between the coupling features and bearing features, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining rotational stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution enables easier torque-friendly coupling and decoupling of the top and lower parts, improving maneuvering safety and usability, especially when gloves are worn.

Implementation Method 1

held in the outer part - the outer bearing part - by a compression spring as a return element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4353665B1Stop point
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 J D THEILE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4353665B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4353665B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4353665B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Described is a stop point 1 with a lower part 3 having a threaded bolt as a connecting means for connecting the stop point 1 to an object 47 to be handled by it, and with an upper part 2 rotatable relative to the lower part 3 and connected thereto with a connecting element for connecting a lifting, stop or lashing device, wherein for bearing the upper part 2 relative to the lower part 3, one of the two parts 2 as an outer bearing part encompasses at least an axial section of the other part 3 as an inner bearing part, which stop point 1 is equipped with coupling means 36 for torque-locking coupling of the upper part 2 with the lower part 3 for the purpose of tool-free connection of the stop point 1 to an object 47 to be handled by it, wherein the coupling means 36 is a radially adjustable,The coupling bolt 37 is held in the outer bearing part 2, and at least one radially accessible, circumferentially acting rotary drive contour 16 is provided on the side of the inner bearing part 3. The actuated coupling bolt 37 engages with a coupling section 49 via this rotary drive contour 16 to bring about a torque-locking coupling between the upper part 2 and the lower part 3. A special feature is that at least one return element 38 acts on the coupling bolt 37 such that, to bring about a torque-locking coupling between the upper part 2 and the lower part 3, the coupling bolt 37 is movable against the force of the at least one return element 38, and when the coupling bolt 37 is not actuated, the upper part 2 is freely rotatable relative to the lower part 3.