Telescoping Torque Tube Assembly with Integrated Locking Tab
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescoping torque tube assemblies require additional parts, adding weight and cost, and are cumbersome to operate due to the need for tools and loose fasteners to lock and unlock the end fitting.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight telescoping torque tube assembly with only two parts, featuring resiliently deflectable locking tabs on the torque tube or end fitting, which engage with corresponding slots to securely lock and unlock the assembly without tools or loose fasteners, allowing for easy adjustment between extended and retracted positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional parts (cross bolts, springs, detent pins) are used to lock the end fitting, then the locking reliability is improved, but the assembly weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tab is integrated directly into the torque tube structure, eliminating the need for separate locking components. The tab is formed as an integral part of the torque tube wall, combining the locking function with the structural component, thereby reducing part count, weight, and cost while maintaining reliable locking through the engagement of the tab with the locking slot
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient locking tab automatically engages with the locking slot to secure the end fitting in the extended position without requiring additional fasteners or complex mechanisms. The spring-loaded nature of the tab provides automatic locking upon engagement, eliminating the need for separate locking operations or additional parts
2Strength
If cross bolts are used to lock the end fitting, then the locking strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring tools and time-consuming procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tab is designed as a resilient, spring-loaded component that can dynamically deflect to disengage from the locking slot. This allows the operator to easily push the end fitting to the retracted position by simply overcoming the spring force, without requiring tools or complex procedures. The dynamic nature of the resilient tab provides both strong locking when engaged and easy release when needed
3Adaptability or versatility
If loose fasteners (nuts, bolts, cotter pins) are used in the assembly, then the adaptability of the locking mechanism is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to risk of dropped or lost fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tab is formed as an integral part of the torque tube structure, eliminating all loose fasteners from the assembly. The tab is directly formed from the torque tube material, ensuring that no separate components can be dropped or lost. This integration maintains full locking functionality while completely eliminating the reliability risks associated with loose fasteners
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parts are used in the telescoping assembly, then the functional capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tab and torque tube are merged into a single integrated component, reducing the assembly to essentially two main parts (torque tube with integrated tab and end fitting). This integration maintains the full telescoping and locking functionality while dramatically simplifying the overall device complexity compared to assemblies using multiple separate locking 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 solution provides a reliable, lightweight, and cost-effective telescoping torque tube assembly that is easy to operate, eliminating the need for tools and reducing the risk of lost fasteners, while ensuring secure locking and easy adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient, deflectable locking tab is provided on the torque tube
Data Source
AI summary
A low-cost, lightweight telescoping torque tube assembly is reliable, safe, and easy to operate. The assembly has no loose fasteners, and no tools are required to operate the telescoping assembly. The telescoping torque tube assembly has only two parts, namely an end fitting and a torque tube. A resiliently deflectable locking tab is provided on one of the parts, and the locking tab is received by a corresponding locking slot formed in the other part. The locking tab has an abutment edge, and the locking slot has a limit edge facing the abutment edge for engaging the abutment edge when the locking tab is undeflected to prevent axially directed adjustment of the end fitting relative to the torque tube from an extended position toward a retracted position. A user deflects the locking tab to enable adjustment of the end fitting from the extended position to the retracted position.