Sliding Locking Connector With Asymmetrical Spring Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool mounting systems lack a reliable and efficient mechanism for securely attaching and detaching tool shafts to handles or devices, often relying on pressure fits, locking collars, or moving ball bearings which may not provide consistent retention.
Innovation Solution
A sliding cylindrical sleeve with asymmetrical curved spring arms and a movable pin assembly that fits within a connector, allowing the sleeve to compress and extend the pin into a retention fixture for secure attachment and detachment of tool shafts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure fits, locking collars, or moving ball bearings are used to hold a shaft, then the shaft can be retained, but the retention may not be consistent or reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is designed as a movable component that can dynamically transition between retracted and extended positions. The spring arm provides continuous elastic force to maintain the pin in the extended locked position, while allowing controlled retraction when needed. This dynamic mechanism ensures consistent retention through the elastic restoring force of the spring arm.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arm automatically returns the pin to its extended locked position after retraction, without requiring additional components or complex mechanisms. The elastic deformation of the spring arm itself provides the restoring force, making the system self-regulating and simplifying the overall mounting mechanism.
2Reliability
If a sliding sleeve mechanism is used to control pin movement, then secure attachment and detachment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding sleeve serves multiple functions: it guides the pin's linear movement, provides a bearing surface for the spring arm, and acts as a latch when positioned to engage with the pin's head. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining reliable connection and detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin is nested within the sliding sleeve, with the spring arm positioned inside the connector housing. This nested arrangement compactly organizes the components, reducing the overall footprint and simplifying the mechanism while ensuring proper alignment and movement control.
3Ease of operation
If asymmetrical spring arms are used to control pin movement, then precise control is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring arms are deliberately designed with asymmetrical geometry, where one arm has a different length or curvature than the other. This asymmetry creates a preferred direction of force application, ensuring the pin moves smoothly in the intended direction during insertion and removal operations, while the manufacturing tolerances can be standardized.
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 provides a reversible and secure method for attaching and detaching tool shafts, ensuring reliable connection and disconnection by utilizing the asymmetrical spring arms to control the pin's movement within the connector, enhancing tool handling and maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pin having a pin head visible through the elongated guide and two opposing soring arms of a size and shape to fit in said slot and a pin body which movable fits inside pin guide. Sliding the sleeve along the connector connects or disconnects a tool via a retention fixture. The pin body is urged downward into the retention fixture when the sleeve compresses one or more of the spring arms.
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding sleeve or collar which is cylindrical and has an elongated guide or channel fluidly connecting the outer annular wall with the inner annular wall of the sleeve is disclosed. A connector having at least one open end and an elongated slot with a floor and a pin guide through the floor is further disclosed. The pin guide is open to the inside of the connector. Between the sleeve and the slot is a pin having a pin head visible through the elongated guide and two opposing spring arms of a size and shape to fit in said slot, and a pin body which movable fits inside pin guide.