Serrated Positioning Structure for Repeatable Mechanical Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structures with serrations require manual adjustment and are prone to human error when reproducing relative positions of two portions, due to the small pitch of the serration being difficult for humans to recognize without sensitivity and precision.
Innovation Solution
A structure comprising first and second portions with continuous serrations, a fixing portion to maintain the interlocked state, and a positioning mechanism with a contact portion to ensure accurate and error-free adjustment and fixing of relative positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual adjustment is used to reproduce relative positions of serrated portions, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but human error increases and precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The serrated portions automatically engage with each other when the second portion is moved, eliminating the need for manual alignment. The interlocking teeth guide the components into precise engagement without requiring human sensitivity or judgment, making the system self-aligning and error-proof.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual estimation and alignment with a mechanical interlocking system. The serrated teeth physically enforce precise positioning through their geometric engagement, substituting human sensory and motor skills with a deterministic mechanical mechanism.
2Manufacturing precision
If serration pitch is made smaller for finer adjustment, then positioning precision improves, but human ability to recognize and reproduce positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The serrated portions act as an intermediary mechanism between the adjustment command and the final position. Instead of relying on human perception of small pitch differences, the interlocking teeth translate any movement into discrete, detectable positional steps that are mechanically evident rather than visually subtle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual indicators (such as colored marks or alignment features) that change or become apparent when the serrated portions are correctly engaged. This provides immediate visual feedback that compensates for the small pitch size, making precise positioning detectable without requiring human sensitivity to the pitch itself.
3Reliability
If fixed relative positions are maintained using only serration interlocking, then结构简单性 is preserved, but reliability of position maintenance deteriorates due to potential slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the positioning function and the fixing function into a single integrated mechanism. The serrated portions simultaneously provide position adjustment and position locking, eliminating the need for separate fixing devices while maintaining reliability through the interlocking tooth geometry that prevents slippage.
Solution Approach 2:
The serrated portions are pre-configured with specific tooth profiles and engagement geometries that automatically lock into place when engaged. This preliminary design of the interlocking features ensures that once positioned, the components remain fixed without requiring additional fixing actions or complex locking mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A structure, including first and second portions respectively having a serration in which peaks and valleys are continuous, and configured to adjust relative positions of the first and second portions in an adjustment direction by interlocking the peaks and valleys with each other. The adjustment direction is a direction in which the peaks and valleys of the serration are continuous; a fixing portion configured to maintain a defined state. The defined state is a state in which the peaks and valleys are interlocked with each other and the relative positions of the first and second portions are fixed; and a positioning mechanism provided on the second portion or the fixing portion, and having a contact portion configured to contact the first portion in the defined state.