Mechanical Connection Assembly With Self-Locking Sleeve Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for multiconnection plates in the steel industry face issues with mechanical locking security, as they often rely on external pressure or energy sources, which can lead to instability and malfunction due to varying pressure forces, and require complex hydraulic or pneumatic systems, increasing costs and risks.
Innovation Solution
A connection device featuring a sleeve with movable locking members and a piston system that allows for mechanical locking of the rod and plate alignment using a single pressure control, incorporating locking balls and a frustoconical locking ring for secure axial retention without external energy, ensuring stable plate alignment and connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external pressure or energy sources are used for locking, then the locking mechanism can be activated, but the system becomes unstable and prone to malfunction due to varying pressure forces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses the repulsion force naturally generated during plate connection to activate the locking balls automatically. The system serves itself by converting the connection force directly into locking action, eliminating the need for external pressure sources or energy supplies, thereby achieving stable and reliable locking without system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the external pressure sources, hydraulic systems, and pneumatic systems from the locking mechanism. By removing these complex energy supply systems, the patent achieves a simpler, more reliable locking mechanism that uses only the inherent mechanical forces from plate connection
2Reliability
If hydraulic or pneumatic systems are used for locking, then the locking mechanism can function, but costs increase and risks are multiplied
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is activated automatically by the repulsion force during plate connection. The locking balls are propelled outward by this force to engage with the locking grooves, eliminating the need for expensive hydraulic or pneumatic systems while maintaining secure locking functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex hydraulic and pneumatic systems with simple, inexpensive mechanical components such as locking balls, grooves, and springs. These simple mechanical elements achieve the same locking security at a fraction of the cost
3Reliability
If locking members are activated when support elements are still close together, then the locking mechanism can engage, but it creates danger for the installation
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is preliminarily positioned and centered in the fixed plate by robotic means before the locking mechanism is activated. This preliminary positioning ensures that the locking mechanism engages only after proper alignment is achieved, eliminating installation risks while maintaining reliable locking engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism includes feedback through the rod's position and the engagement state of the locking balls. The system ensures that locking occurs only when the rod is properly positioned and the plates are at the correct distance, preventing premature or unsafe locking engagement
4Device complexity
If a single pressure control is used for both locking and plate alignment, then the system is simplified, but the control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single pressure control serves multiple functions: it activates the piston for plate alignment, propels the locking balls for locking engagement, and can be used for unlocking. This multi-functional design simplifies the system by eliminating the need for separate controls while managing increased control requirements through intelligent sequencing
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
The solution provides a secure, mechanically stable connection between plates, reducing the risk of malfunction and operational costs by eliminating the need for external pressure sources and simplifying the system, while maintaining flexibility and adaptability in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
a piston, integral with the rod, movable within the main cavity of the body and dividing the main cavity between a front chamber and a rear chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
This connection device (D) includes a rod (17) movable in translation, a piston (19) integral with the rod (17), a sleeve (35) which extends around the rod (17), this sleeve being movable between a rear position and a front position, and locking members housed in the sleeve (35), each locking member being movable relative to the sleeve between a locking configuration and a release configuration.The rod (17) is movable between a disconnected position in which the rod (17) does not oppose the movement of the locking members in their release configuration, and the sleeve (35) is in the forward position, and a connected position, in which the rod (17) opposes the movement of the locking members in their release configuration, and the sleeve (35) is in the rear position, passing through an intermediate position, in which the rod (17) opposes the movement of the locking members in their release configuration, and the sleeve (35) is in the forward position.