Spring-Loaded Locking Mechanism for Tool-Free Base Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing base and body assemblies, such as those for signs or waste receptacles, face challenges in secure attachment due to manufacturing tolerances, which can result in movement and rattling, and require specialized tools for assembly, making the process difficult and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A base and body assembly that includes a locking member with a biasing mechanism, allowing for secure attachment without the need for tools, as the locking member is moved to an attachment position by a biasing member, forming a locking abutment to prevent removal and ensuring stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fixtures such as nuts and bolts are used to attach the body member to the base member, then the attachment can be secured, but specialist tools are required and the assembly process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to be self-actuating through the biasing member (spring) that automatically pushes the locking member into the locked position when the connecting section is inserted into the receiving section. This eliminates the need for specialist tools and manual tightening operations, making the assembly process simple and quick while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical fastening system (nuts and bolts requiring tools) with a spring-loaded locking mechanism. The biasing member provides automatic mechanical action that secures the connection without requiring external tool intervention, thus substituting a complex tool-dependent mechanical system with a self-actuating mechanism.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixtures are used to attach the body member to the base member, then attachment can be achieved, but the body member can still move or rattle due to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed with a biasing force parameter that maintains constant pressure between the locking surfaces. This parameter change (from fixed-position fixtures to spring-loaded continuous pressure) compensates for manufacturing tolerances and dimensional variations, preventing rattling and maintaining stability without requiring precision manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from static fixtures (nuts and bolts) to a dynamic spring-loaded locking member that can adapt to dimensional variations. The biasing member allows the locking mechanism to dynamically adjust to manufacturing tolerances while maintaining secure attachment and preventing relative movement between components.
3Volume of moving object
If the connecting section and receiving section are enclosed by the body and base members, then the design is compact, but it becomes difficult to apply tools to the fixtures
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to be inserted from the outside of the enclosed structure and then self-actuates internally through the biasing member. This allows the operation to be performed from the accessible exterior while the locking mechanism functions within the enclosed space, maintaining compact design without sacrificing ease of 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
The solution provides a secure and stable attachment of the body member to the base member, preventing movement due to manufacturing tolerances and simplifying the assembly process by eliminating the need for tools, ensuring a robust and efficient assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member is coupled to the locking member such that movement of the at least part of the locking member in the first direction causes the biasing member to urge at least a part of the locking member in a second direction against said other of the base member and body member
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A base (3) and body (2) assembly having a base member, a body member and a locking member (13), one of the base member (3) and the body member having a connecting section defining a locking bore (11) and the other of the base member and the body member having a receiving section for receiving the connecting section, wherein when the connecting section is received by the receiving section, the locking member (13) is movable along the locking bore (11) to an attachment position, the base (3) and/or body member having a first engagement surface (80) and the locking member having a second engagement surface (15) arranged such that when the locking member (13) is received within the locking bore (11) and travels along the locking bore towards the attachment position, the first and second engagement surfaces engage with each other such that at least part of the locking member is moved in a first direction inclined relative to the axial direction, and wherein a biasing member is coupled to the locking member to urge it in a second direction against the other of the base member (3) and body member (2).