Spring Actuated Engagement Device for Remote Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coupling two elements together at inaccessible or hard-to-reach areas is laborious and time-consuming, requiring direct access to the engagement location.
Innovation Solution
A spring actuated engagement device that allows remote coupling and detachment of a movable member to a stationary member, featuring a rectilinear fixture with a spring biased bar and abutting element, enabling longitudinal engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional engagement devices are used to couple two elements together at inaccessible areas, then the elements can be mechanically coupled, but the operation becomes laborious and time-consuming requiring direct access to the engagement location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the spring-loaded bar with engagement protrusion) that mediates between the user and the engagement location. The user applies force remotely through the lever arm, which transmits this force through the spring-loaded bar to engage or disengage the coupling at the inaccessible location, eliminating the need for direct access
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the engagement operation from requiring direct linear access to the coupling point into a rotational operation applied at a distant pivot point. By converting linear engagement force into rotational moment through the lever arm, the user can operate the device from a different spatial dimension and location
2Ease of operation
If traditional engagement devices are used at hard-to-reach areas, then elements can be coupled, but direct access to the engagement location is required
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded bar acts as an intermediary that transmits force from the user's remote location to the engagement point. The bar's spring mechanism provides automatic return and engagement forces, mediating the interaction between the user and the coupling location without requiring direct access
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism provides self-service by automatically returning the bar to its engagement position after force application, and by providing the necessary engagement force without continuous user input. The system serves itself by using the spring's stored energy to maintain engagement or enable detachment
3Productivity
If a spring actuated mechanism is used for remote engagement, then remote coupling is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded bar serves multiple functions: it transmits force from the user, provides engagement force through spring pressure, enables both coupling and detachment operations, and returns to its neutral position automatically. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each operation, balancing complexity with productivity
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 efficient and reliable remote coupling and detachment of elements, reducing the need for direct access to the engagement location and ensuring secure engagement.
Implementation Method 1
a bar (12) that is axially displaceable within a central recess (9) formed within said fixture and that is biased by a spring (18)
Data Source
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AI summary
A spring actuated engagement device for remotely coupling a movable member to a stationary member comprises a fixture mountable onto a stationary member, a spring biased bar that is axially displaceable within a central recess formed within the fixture, an abutting element extending outwardly from the bar for actuating the spring, and a seating element outwardly spaced from the fixture and longitudinally spaced from the abutting element. The abutting element is axially displaceable in a first direction when contacted by a first edge of a movable member, allowing a second edge of the movable member to be received in an interspace between the seating element and the outer face, and to be axially displaced in a second direction after a force that initiated the contact with the first edge is released. A pivotally displaceable locking device, when set to a locked condition, prevents displacement of the actuator.