Spring-Actuated Ball Lock Closure for Automatic Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure systems for detachable connections, such as ball lock pins, do not allow for rapid fastening and detachment while ensuring secure locking, and often require manual intervention or complex mechanisms to open automatically when a predetermined force is exceeded.
Innovation Solution
A closure system comprising a locking pin, a housing, a receptacle, a first locking element (e.g., a ball), and a second locking element acted upon by a spring, where the locking element engages in both recesses to secure the connection, and automatically opens when an axial load exceeds the spring force, allowing for defined and non-destructive release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ball lock pin is used for detachable connection, then the connection can be secured against unintentional loosening, but the opening requires manual intervention and cannot occur automatically when a predetermined force is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system automatically opens when a predetermined force is exceeded through the interaction of the spring and the second locking element. The spring stores energy during normal operation and automatically releases it when the force threshold is reached, enabling the closure to service itself without manual intervention for opening while maintaining secure locking during normal use.
2Ease of operation
If a spring-actuated second locking element is added to enable automatic opening, then the closure can open automatically when force is exceeded, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking functions into a unified mechanism where the first locking element (ball) and second locking element work together with a single spring. The spring simultaneously controls the second locking element's position and interacts with the first locking element through the guide contour, merging the locking and automatic opening functions into an integrated system rather than separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex release mechanism to open the closure, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple spring-force threshold system. When the axial force exceeds the spring force, the natural tendency of the spring to return to its original state automatically drives the opening sequence, reversing the conventional approach of requiring active release mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the first locking element engages in both recesses simultaneously, then the connection is securely locked, but the closure cannot be opened until the second locking element is actuated
Solution Approach 1:
The guide contour acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the axial force on the locking pin and the radial movement of the first locking element. When axial force is applied, the guide contour translates this force into radial movement of the ball, enabling it to disengage from the circumferential groove without requiring direct radial actuation, thus simplifying the opening mechanism while maintaining secure locking during normal operation.
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
Enables rapid and secure fastening and detachment of components with automatic opening at a predetermined force, enhancing ease of use and reliability compared to traditional ball lock pins.
Implementation Method 1
a spring acting on the second locking element, the second blocking element being moved from a locking position bringing the first blocking element into engagement with both depressions into a release position against the force of the spring
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The closure has housing (3) that comprises a receptacle (4) which is formed of a recess and an opening into which a ball locking pin (1) is inserted. A lower locking element is releasably engaged in the receptacle for clamping the locking pin. An upper locking element (6) is movably received in the housing and/or the receptacle. The upper locking element which is in engagement with a recess is axially moved from a locking position to a release position against the force of a spring, such that the lower locking element is disengaged from the recess. An independent claim is included for a cladding system.