Tool Safety Block With Oscillating Cam Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical connection devices for tools and operating means are unreliable due to uncomfortable and unreliable sliding latch mechanisms, prone to failure under stress and wear, and can jam with debris, leading to operational issues and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A device with a sliding latch mechanism stabilized by elastic means and an oscillating body with a cam surface, featuring safety stop seats and a locking mechanism that ensures reliable operation even with high tolerances and wear, while preventing debris ingress through sealed passages and lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sliding latch mechanism is used to connect tool to operating means, then the connection can be made and broken easily, but the latch becomes unreliable under stress and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a safety block that proactively prevents the latch from disengaging under stress before failure occurs. The safety block is positioned to physically block the latch from moving into a disengaged position, cushioning against the harmful effect of stress-induced disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety block acts as an intermediary element between the latch and the stress forces. It mediates the interaction by providing a physical barrier that prevents direct disengagement of the latch under stress, while still allowing normal operation when stress is absent.
2Reliability
If elements are added to block the latch in protruding condition, then reliability under stress improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the safety blocking function from the main latch mechanism by introducing a separate, simple safety block. This separates the primary latching function from the safety function, allowing each to be optimized independently while reducing overall complexity compared to integrated solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the latch for primary connection and the safety block for stress prevention. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with simple geometry, reducing overall device complexity while improving reliability.
3Reliability
If precise manufacturing is required for reliable operation, then connection reliability improves, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing stress resistance only where needed - at the safety block location - rather than requiring the entire mechanism to be precisely manufactured. The safety block is a simple geometric element that tolerates manufacturing variations, allowing reliable operation with standard tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the safety block to create inherent stress resistance through its shape and positioning, rather than relying on precise manufacturing tolerances. The block's geometry is designed to intercept stress forces regardless of minor dimensional variations.
4Ease of operation
If the device allows movement between latch conditions, then operation flexibility is maintained, but debris can penetrate inward and cause jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of debris penetration into a benefit by designing the safety block and its passage to actively exclude debris. The tapered geometry of the passage transforms what could be an entry point for contaminants into a barrier that prevents debris from reaching internal components.
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 device provides a simple, reliable, and safe connection that maintains functionality under stress and wear, reduces debris ingress, and ensures consistent operation across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
elastic means acting between a fixed portion of the second member and the movable means, in direction of the protruding condition of latch means
Implementation Method 2
a cam surface, interacting with a sliding means for moving, by rotation, the latch means between an internal condition and a protruding condition
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A device with safety block for connecting a tool (T) to an operating means (A) includes a first member (2) and a second member (3) fit to be fixed one to the tool (T) and the other to the operating means (A). Said members (3, 2) have respective hooking means (4, 5) for the reciprocal removable hooking. One of said members (3, 2) is furthermore provided with at least one latch means (6) sliding therein (3, 2) between an internal condition (I) and a protruding condition (E) in which the at least a latch means (6) can engage at least one seat (7) of a matching means (8) of the other member (2, 3) for carrying out, cooperating with the hooking means (4, 5), the connecting condition (C) between the tool and the operating means. The member (3, 2) that is provided with at least a latch means (6) includes moreover elastic means (11) acting on the at least one latch means (6) in the direction of protruding condition (E) and includes safety locking means (40) for carrying out at least one stop condition of the at least one latch means (6) in the connecting condition (C). The locking means (40) include an oscillating body (41), pivotally connected to a fixed part of the respective member (3, 2), and having at least one cam surface (42) and at least one blocking seat (43) and an unlocking seat (44). The at least one latch means (6) is rigidly connected to a sliding mean (45) actuated by the cam surface (42), between the locking (43) and unlocking (44) seats following the rotation of the oscillating body (41) for moving, with contrast of elastic means (11), the at least one latch means (6) from the protruding condition (E) to the internal condition (I) and vice-versa.