Spring-Free Slide Lock Assembly for Secure Snaring Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snaring tools and slide lock assemblies often rely on complex mechanisms with multiple parts and return springs, leading to high costs, malfunctions, and difficulties in precisely applying clamping forces or preventing accidental release.
Innovation Solution
A slide lock assembly with a multi-faceted elongated tubular element and a non-spring loaded mechanism, featuring a release means and an adjustable means that allow for manual control of a telescopic system, ensuring secure locking and adjustable loop sizes without the need for springs, and an optional locking pin for added safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanisms with multiple parts and return springs are used in snaring tools, then the locking function can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the return spring from the traditional snare mechanism, extracting the problematic component that causes malfunctions and complexity. The locking mechanism operates without requiring a spring to return the lever to its initial position, thereby eliminating a major source of reliability issues while maintaining the core locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever-based mechanism is designed to be manually operated and held in position without requiring automatic return via spring. The user directly controls the locking and releasing actions, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependence on spring-based automatic recovery mechanisms.
2Reliability
If complex mechanisms with multiple parts are used, then the locking function can be achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the return spring and reducing the number of components in the locking mechanism, the patent directly lowers manufacturing costs. Fewer parts mean reduced material costs, simpler assembly processes, and lower overall production expenses while maintaining the essential locking capability.
3Ease of operation
If traditional mechanisms are used, then the cable can be tightened, but precise control over clamping forces and prevention of accidental release cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanism provides dynamic control where the user can precisely position the lever at different angles to achieve desired clamping forces. The mechanism transitions from static spring-based tension to dynamic manual control, allowing fine adjustment of the cable tension and secure locking at any position along the lever's range of motion.
4Device complexity
If non-spring loaded mechanisms are used, then costs and complexity are reduced, but the ability to maintain continuous tension may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The manual lever mechanism requires user activation to maintain tension, replacing the spring's automatic tension-maintaining function. The user directly controls the force application, and the system remains simple and spring-free while achieving the desired tension through manual operation rather than elastic recovery.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a non-spring based lock mechanism, described as a lock and lever, telescoping slide assembly comprising an elongated, stationary, multi-faceted tube. Also disclosed is a snaring tool employing the non spring based lock mechanism for gripping items such as industrial pipe and other large moving items which can be ensnared. An optional locking pin mechanism can be added to the lock and lever slide assembly to avoid accidental release of the gripping means.