Swivel Coupling Assembly With Geometric Locking for Fast Load Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swivel connection devices face issues with complex assembly, reliability, safety, and high costs, making them inefficient for quick and safe use.
Innovation Solution
A swivel connection device with a housing body, coupling elements, and hinged connection means that allow for quick assembly and disassembly without pins or screws, featuring a geometric connection and open-ring design with pins and projections for enhanced structural strength and load support, and a locking mechanism for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional swivel connection devices use multiple rings, screws, and pins for connection, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the assembly complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple traditional components (rings, screws, pins) into a single integrated coupling element with a geometric connection system. The coupling element combines the functions of connection, locking, and load-bearing into one unified structure that interfaces directly with the housing body through complementary geometric features, eliminating the need for separate fastening components.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is designed with segmented functional zones: a connection portion with geometric connection features for attaching to the housing body, a load-bearing portion for supporting loads, and an integrated locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity.
2Strength
If traditional devices use multiple fastening components like pins and screws, then the structural strength is improved, but the assembly time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The geometric connection features (protrusions and recesses) are pre-formed as integral parts of the coupling element and housing body during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that the connection geometry is already optimized for strength before assembly, allowing for rapid assembly without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element's geometric features automatically align and engage with corresponding features in the housing body during assembly. The design includes self-aligning characteristics where the geometry itself guides the connection process, eliminating the need for separate alignment procedures or complex fastening operations.
3Reliability
If traditional swivel connection devices use complex assembly mechanisms, then the safety and reliability are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural connection through geometric features, supports loads through its load-bearing portion, enables rotational movement through the swivel mechanism, and incorporates locking functionality. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate safety components while maintaining comprehensive safety performance.
4Force
If traditional devices require pins and screws for connection, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the ease of operation for assembly and disassembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical fastening system (screws, pins, nuts) with a geometric connection system based on complementary protrusions and recesses. This substitution maintains load-bearing capacity through precise geometric interlocking while enabling tool-free assembly and disassembly through simple engagement and disengagement motions.
Data Source
AI summary
A swivel connection device having a housing body, two coupling elements connected to the housing body, and hinged connection elements connected to the housing body is provided. The two coupling elements are freely rotatable relative to one another about a main rotation axis defined by the hinged connection elements. Each coupling element, in an operating configuration, supports a respective load directed along a respective load direction substantially parallel to the main rotation axis. The housing body defines a plurality of connection seats, and each connection seat defines a stop wall. Each of the two coupling elements is inserted into a respective connection seat, against a respective stop wall, along an insertion direction. The insertion direction of each coupling element is in a direction concordant with the load direction of the load supported by a same coupling element.