Spring-Loaded Locking Device for Quick Electronic Component Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for mounting and dismounting electronic components on vehicles are time-consuming and costly, requiring screws and brackets, which complicate the process.

Innovation Solution

A locking device featuring a housing element, a rotatable operation element, a spring element, and a pin that transitions between locked and unlocked positions, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly by rotating the operation element between supporting and release positions, enabling automatic locking and manual unlocking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional mounting methods using screws and brackets are used, then the electronic component can be securely fixed to the further component, but the mounting and dismounting process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixationVSAvoidmounting and dismounting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the operation element can rotate between a supporting position (locked state) and a release position (unlocked state). The spring element provides continuous elastic force that automatically engages the pin with the receptacle during mounting, while allowing quick release when the operation element is rotated. This dynamic design enables both secure fixation and rapid dismounting without screws or brackets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element automatically engages the pin with the receptacle when the component is mounted on the further component, without requiring manual intervention. The spring force automatically pushes the pin into the receptacle during the mounting process, and the operation element automatically maintains the locked position. This self-servicing mechanism eliminates the need for time-consuming screw tightening or bracket fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If conventional mounting methods using screws and brackets are used, then the electronic component can be securely fixed to the further component, but the mounting and dismounting process becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixationVSAvoidmounting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is segmented into distinct functional elements: the operation element (rotatable handle), the spring element (providing elastic force), the pin (engagement element), and the receptacle (receiving feature). This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function efficiently, replacing the complex multi-component screw and bracket system with a simpler, more integrated locking mechanism that achieves the same secure fixation with fewer parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and eliminates the unnecessary complexity of screws, nuts, and brackets from the mounting system. By taking out these conventional fastening elements and replacing them with a dedicated locking device featuring a rotatable operation element and spring-loaded pin, the system achieves secure fixation with significantly reduced structural complexity and lower manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If a spring-loaded locking mechanism is used, then quick mounting and dismounting is enabled, but the structure becomes more complex compared to simple fastening methods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly and disassembly speedVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device merges multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism: the operation element combines rotational movement with linear displacement of the pin, the spring element provides both the locking force and the release mechanism, and the pin itself serves as both the engagement element and the indicator of locked status. This merging of functions into compact, multi-functional components achieves quick assembly and disassembly while minimizing the overall structural complexity compared to using separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Facilitates quick, cost-effective mounting and dismounting of electronic components by utilizing a spring-loaded mechanism for secure attachment and easy release, allowing for manual operation and reducing assembly and disassembly time.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element (40) configured to be supported on the operation element (38) at least indirectly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring (elasticity): Spring

Implementation Method 2

the spring element (40) is loaded thereby exerting a spring force on the operation element (38) by means of a spring force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic potential energy: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3205895B1Locking device for a component as well as arrangement of a component on a further component
Publication Date: 2019.04.10 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
  • EP3205895B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3205895B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7
  • EP3205895B1 patent drawingFigure 8~12

AI summary

The invention relates to a locking device (16) for a component (10), the locking device (16) comprising: - at least one housing element (20) of the component (10); - at least one operation element (38) rotatable about a rotation axis in relation to the housing element (20); - at least one spring element (40) configured to be supported on the operation element (38) at least indirectly; and - at least one pin (42) configured to be supported on the spring element (40) at least indirectly, the pin (42) being translationally movable in relation to the operation element (38) thereby loading and unloading the spring element; wherein the operation element (38) is rotatable about the rotation axis in relation to the housing element (20) between: - at least one supporting position in which the operation element (38) is supported on the housing element (20) thereby supporting, on the housing element (20) via the operation element (38), a spring force exerted on the operation element (38) by the loaded spring element (40) and securing the operation element (38) against a translational movement away from the pin (42) in relation to the housing element (20), and - at least one release position in which the operation element (38) is translationally movable in relation to the housing element (20).