Traction-Pressure Rod Tool-Free Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing push-pull rods lack a compact, simple modular design that can be operated tool-free and prevent unintentional length changes in their installed state, leading to issues with alternating loads and noise.

Innovation Solution

A push-pull rod design featuring a compact structural unit with a fastening device, connecting piece, and locking device, where the spring element supports the locking elements, allowing for mutual bracing of threads and preventing alternating loads, and enabling tool-free assembly and quick replacement of worn components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a compact structural unit with integrated locking device is used, then the push-pull rod achieves tool-free operation and prevents unintentional length changes, but the device complexity increases due to multiple interacting components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool-free operationVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device, spring element, and connecting piece are merged into a single integrated assembly that forms a compact structural unit. The locking elements are positioned on opposite sides of the spring element within the connecting piece, creating a unified mechanism that operates automatically without external tools while maintaining manageable complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If the spring element is supported on the connecting piece with a support shoulder, then alternating loads are prevented and noise is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support shoulder is pre-formed on the connecting piece during manufacturing, establishing the correct positioning and bracing of the spring element before the locking mechanism is assembled. This preliminary structural feature ensures that alternating loads are prevented and noise is reduced from the outset, while the manufacturing complexity is managed by integrating the support shoulder into the standard production process of the connecting piece.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If the locking elements are arranged loosely on the shaft for tool-free assembly, then the assembly process is simplified, but the precision of locking engagement may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidlocking precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The locking elements are designed to self-align and engage automatically when the fastening device is screwed into the connecting piece. The spring element provides automatic tensioning that ensures precise engagement of the locking elements with the threaded bores, eliminating the need for tools while maintaining high locking precision through self-adjusting mechanical interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This design ensures secure locking, reduces noise and knocking, allows for easy assembly and maintenance, and provides a modular structure with high flexibility and minimal storage requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element (12) which presses the two locking elements (10, 11) against one another in the axial direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2499383B1Traction-pressure rod
Publication Date: 2014.10.08 RO RA PRODN
  • EP2499383B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2499383B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2499383B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a push/pull rod (1), comprising at least one fastening device (2, 3), a connecting piece (4) having end faces (16, 17) distanced from each other in the axial direction, and a locking device (5) having first and second locking elements (10, 11) that face each other when viewed in the axial direction and that interact and that are pressed against each other by means of a spring element (12). The spring element (12) is supported at the first end (22) thereof on a support shoulder (23) formed on the connecting piece (4) and at the second end (24) thereof on the second locking element (11). The rotational motion of the fastening device (2) relative to the connecting piece (4) is releasably blocked at a predetermined locking force by the locking elements (10, 11) in a plurality of rotational positions.