Sliding Insert Lock for Tool-Free High-Stress Mechanical Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical connection systems are difficult to align, require tools for operation, and fail to withstand high stresses, leading to unstable connections and accidental detachments.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical connection system with a body, insert, and holding element that allows for quick and tool-free connection or separation, featuring a sliding holding element with arms that lock or release the insert, and a damper to distribute stresses, ensuring stability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical connection systems use through openings and pins for connection, then the connection can be removable, but the alignment and insertion operation becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: a body with a through opening, an insert with engagement protrusions, and a holding element with arms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier assembly by eliminating the need for precise alignment of through openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the body and insert. It mediates the connection by locking the insert in place through its arms that engage with the protrusions, replacing the need for direct pin insertion through aligned openings.
2Reliability
If traditional connection systems use simple pin-and-opening mechanisms, then the structure remains simple, but the connection cannot support high stresses and is prone to accidental detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element concentrates the stress-bearing function in its arms that directly engage with the insert's protrusions. This local quality approach ensures that the critical connection points are reinforced while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element is designed to be movable between a locked position (where arms engage protrusions) and a release position. This dynamic capability allows the connection to adapt to operational stresses while maintaining security, and enables tool-free release when needed.
3Reliability
If the holding element is designed with arms that lock the insert, then the connection stability improves, but the operation becomes more complex requiring tool-free manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element incorporates a gripping portion that allows the user to directly manipulate and move the element between locked and release positions. This self-service design eliminates the need for external tools while maintaining secure locking through the arm-protrusion engagement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mechanical connection system (1) comprises a body (2) delimiting a through opening (3), an insert (4; 104; 204) configured to selectively engage the through opening (3) along an engagement direction (5), a holding element (6), movably connected inside the body (2) along a sliding direction (7) perpendicular to the engagement direction (5), wherein the holding element (6) can be selectively moved between a locking configuration, wherein it occupies at least partially a footprint in plan of the through opening (3) to lock the insert (4; 104; 204) inside the through opening (3) and a release position wherein the holding element (6) completely frees the overall dimensions of the through opening (3) to release the insert (4; 104; 204).