Ball-Locking Truss Coupling With Threaded Sleeve Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional couplings for trusses require a large number of components and tools for assembly, leading to noise and potential loss of small components like locking pins and cotter pins, making the process cumbersome and noisy.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system with a female coupling part featuring a tubular receiving part, movable balls, and a locking sleeve that can be screwed to lock the male coupling part in place without the need for additional tools, reducing the number of components and noise during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional couplings with locking pins and cotter pins are used, then the connection is secure, but the number of components increases and assembly becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin and cotter pin are merged into a single integrated locking sleeve component. The locking sleeve combines the functions of both the locking pin (providing secure connection) and the cotter pin (preventing accidental disconnection) into one piece that simplifies the assembly process while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking sleeve serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a locking mechanism, a retaining element, and a alignment guide. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate locking pins and cotter pins, reducing the total component count while maintaining secure connections.
2Reliability
If locking pins are hammered into holes for fixation, then the coupling is securely locked, but noise nuisance is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The hammering action is replaced by a screwing mechanism. Instead of forcibly driving a locking pin into place with a hammer, the locking sleeve is threaded onto the receiving part and secured by rotating it, converting the assembly action from impact-based to rotation-based, thereby eliminating noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The method of fixation changes from impact force (hammering) to threaded engagement (screwing). This parameter change in the assembly method allows for secure fixation without generating noise, as the threading process distributes the locking force gradually through rotation rather than sudden impact.
3Reliability
If multiple small components like locking pins and cotter pins are used, then the connection is secure, but the components are easily lost
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple small components (locking pin and cotter pin) are merged into a single larger locking sleeve component. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts that can be lost, while the integrated design maintains the same security function through its unified structure.
4Reliability
If conventional assembly methods with multiple tools are used, then the coupling is securely assembled, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple assembly steps and tools are merged into a single operation. The locking sleeve integrates the functions of alignment, locking, and retention that previously required separate operations with multiple tools, allowing the entire assembly process to be completed in one continuous motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking sleeve is designed to perform its own alignment and locking functions without requiring external tools or multiple assembly steps. The threaded design and integrated structure allow the component to self-align and self-lock during a single assembly operation, eliminating the need for additional tools or steps.
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 allows for rapid and quiet assembly of truss constructions with fewer components, eliminating the need for locking pins and cotter pins, and ensures correct alignment and secure connection of truss parts.
Implementation Method 1
a locking sleeve which is screwed onto the receiving part and encloses the receiving part, wherein by being screwed the locking sleeve is movable relative to the receiving part in the longitudinal direction of the receiving part between an opened position... and a closed position in which the locking sleeve presses the at least one ball in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the receiving part for the purpose of locking the male coupling part in the female coupling part with the ball
Implementation Method 2
a ball which is placed in the at least one through-opening and which is movable in radial direction of the receiving part
Implementation Method 3
by being screwed the locking sleeve is movable relative to the receiving part in the longitudinal direction of the receiving part between an opened position, in which the locking sleeve allows a movement of the ball in the at least one through-opening in a direction away from the longitudinal axis of the receiving part for the purpose of placing a male coupling part into the receiving part or removing it from the receiving part
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling for connecting construction parts, a truss provided therewith and associated meth od and use. The coupling comprises a female and a male coupling part. The female coupling part comprises: a tubular receiving part, the wall of which an opening is provided; a ball which is placed in the opening and which is movable in radial direction of the receiving part; and a locking sleeve which is screwed onto and encloses the receiving part and which by being screwed is movable in the longitudinal direction of the receiving part between an opened position, in which the locking sleeve allows movement of the ball in the opening for the purpose of placing/removing the male coupling part into/from the receiving part, and a closed position in which the locking sleeve locks the male coupling part in the female coupling part with the ball, wherein the male coupling part is an elongate pin which comprises in its outer wall a groove for the ball.