Spring-Locked Pivot Bracket for Low-Force Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pivotable connection devices are not user-friendly, particularly in harsh conditions like cold weather, and require excessive force to maneuver, making it difficult to pivot protruding objects smoothly.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable connection device comprising a first and second bracket, a locking member, a spring, and an abutment member, where the locking member is displaceable along the second bracket's periphery, compressing the spring for pivoting and overlapping both brackets to lock, facilitating easy and smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional pivotable connection device is used, then the structure is simple, but the device requires excessive force to maneuver and is difficult to operate smoothly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to be displaceable between a first position (allowing pivoting) and a second position (preventing pivoting). The spring provides dynamic force to automatically move the locking member between these positions, transforming a static locking mechanism into a dynamic one that responds to operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device is divided into distinct functional components: the locking member for securing, the spring for providing force, and the abutment member for guiding movement. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, reducing the overall force needed to operate the system.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional pivotable connection device is used, then the structure is simple, but the device is not user-friendly in harsh conditions like cold weather
Solution Approach 1:
The spring automatically moves the locking member between locked and unlocked positions without requiring user intervention. The user simply needs to apply minimal force to initiate movement, and the spring handles the rest, making the device self-servicing and particularly useful in harsh conditions where dexterity is reduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism changes the force parameter required to operate the device. By storing and releasing elastic energy, the spring reduces the force threshold needed to transition between locked and unlocked states, making operation feasible even when users are wearing gloves or have reduced dexterity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the locking member is always in the locked position, then the connection is stable, but the pivoting function is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member transitions between static (locked) and dynamic (unlocked) states based on operational requirements. The spring ensures the system can quickly switch between these states, providing both stability when needed and adaptability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device serves multiple functions: it can be locked for stable connection and unlocked for pivoting. The same locking member and spring mechanism enable both functions, making the device universal and adaptable to different operational scenarios.
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 enables a smooth and effortless pivoting mechanism, reducing the need for excessive force and improving usability in various conditions, including cold weather, by allowing seamless transitions between pivoting and locking modes.
Implementation Method 1
a spring, and an abutment member attached to and projecting from the outer periphery of the second bracket, and forming a first abutment surface against which the spring abuts, wherein the spring is located between the locking member and the abutment member
Implementation Method 2
in a second mode of operation, the locking member is displaced towards the first bracket by the action of the spring, such that the locking member overlaps both the first bracket and the second bracket and prevents pivoting of the first bracket in relation to the second bracket
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a pivotable connection device (100) comprises a first and a second bracket (101, 102), a locking member (103), a spring (105), and an abutment member (104). The first and the second bracket (101, 102) are pivotable connected to each other, and the spring (105) is located between the locking member (103) and the abutment member (104). In a first mode of operation (M1), the locking member (103) is displaced towards the abutment member (104) such that the spring (105) is compressed, and such that the first and second bracket (101, 102) are pivotable in relation to each other. In a second mode of operation (M2), the locking member (103) is displaced towards the first bracket (101) by the spring (105), such that the locking member (103) overlaps the first and the second bracket (101, 102) and prevents pivoting. The disclosure further relates to a vehicle (200).