Transverse Trigger Cartridge Immobilization Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cartridge locking mechanisms in diffusion devices for motor vehicles are complex and unreliable, posing risks in terms of reliability and ease of use for passengers who need to change volatile agent cartridges.
Innovation Solution
A simple and robust immobilization system for removable cartridges, featuring a trigger that translates transversely to maintain or introduce/extract the cartridge, with a bar and abutments for blocking pins, and a spring return mechanism to secure the bar in place, facilitating easy and secure cartridge handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking button mechanism is used to retain and remove the cartridge, then the cartridge can be secured in the housing, but the mechanism becomes complex and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into discrete functional elements: a trigger with a bar that has distinct locking stops at its ends, and corresponding locking pins on the cartridge. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex button that pushes to unlock, the invention inverts the approach by using a trigger that pulls transversely to unlock. The spring automatically maintains the locked position, and the trigger movement in the transverse direction directly disengages the locking stops from the pins, simplifying the operation.
2Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used, then the cartridge can be secured, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism inverts the conventional button operation by using transverse pulling motion instead of axial pushing. This inversion provides a more intuitive and easier operation for users, while the spring ensures automatic engagement for reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring automatically maintains the trigger in the locked position and engages the locking stops with the pins without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by automatically securing the cartridge upon insertion and maintaining retention without continuous user action.
3Device complexity
If the trigger moves in the insertion/extraction direction, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the operation space is insufficient for passenger access
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger movement is changed from the axial insertion/extraction direction to a transverse dimension. This dimensional change provides sufficient operation space for passenger access while maintaining the simplicity of the locking mechanism. The tab on the trigger extends through the front panel, allowing easy access from the transverse direction.
4Ease of manufacture
If a simple trigger mechanism is used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the reliability of cartridge retention may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger is segmented into a main body with a bar that has locking stops at its ends, allowing the mechanism to be manufactured from simple components. The spring and tab are separate easily-manufactured elements that combine to provide reliable retention through the locking stops engaging with the pins.
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 and user-friendly mechanism for immobilizing cartridges, ensuring safe and efficient replacement of volatile agent cartridges in diffusion devices, enhancing the reliability and accessibility of the system.
Implementation Method 1
said return element includes a spring, said spring is configured to bear against said housing and said bar
Implementation Method 2
said locking pin(s) being provided with a chamfered face intended to cause a translational actuation of the bar upon cartridge insertion
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a system for immobilising a removable cartridge (130) in a housing (100), said system comprising a trigger (400) which, in a first position, allows said cartridge (130) to be held in said housing (100) and, in a second position, allows said cartridge (130) to be inserted/extracted relative to said housing, said trigger (400) being actuated in translation in a direction transverse to a direction of insertion/extraction of the cartridge (130). The invention also concerns a diffusion device comprising such a cartridge with the immobilisation system of same.