Tubular Body Locking Mechanism With Low-Friction Slit Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tubular body connectors require high operating force for locking and unlocking due to frictional resistance caused by the curved wire hitting the edge of the slit, making the operation difficult.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism with a tapered portion that allows the locking member to move in the outer diameter direction, featuring a gap between the curved portion and the slit to prevent contact, and an oblique sliding surface to guide the locking member, reducing friction and operating force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the curved portion of the wire passes through the slit to lock with the engagement portion, then the locking function is achieved, but the curved portion hits the edge of the slit causing frictional resistance that increases operating force
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is divided into multiple curved portions (first curved portion, second curved portion, third curved portion) that can independently engage with the engagement portion. This segmentation allows each curved portion to follow its own path through the slit, reducing the likelihood that all portions will simultaneously contact and friction against the slit edges, thereby reducing overall operating force while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
A guide unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the locking member and the housing. The guide unit includes an oblique sliding surface that guides the leading-end portion of the locking member during insertion, ensuring that the curved portions pass through the slits smoothly without hitting the edges. This intermediary structure mediates the interaction between the locking member and housing, eliminating frictional resistance while preserving the locking function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the locking member moves in the outer diameter direction to lock or unlock, then the locking and unlocking functions are achieved, but the curved portion slides along the slit edge creating friction that makes operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The guide unit with the oblique sliding surface performs a preliminary guiding action before the curved portions engage with the engagement portion. As the locking member is inserted, the leading-end portion contacts the oblique sliding surface first, which directs the movement path of the curved portions through the slits. This preliminary guidance prevents the curved portions from hitting or sliding along the slit edges during the locking operation, eliminating friction while maintaining full locking and unlocking functionality.
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 improves operability by reducing the operating force required for connecting and disconnecting tubular bodies, enhancing ease of use by minimizing frictional resistance and guiding the locking member effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The locking member is mounted to the housing to be able to move in the outer diameter direction by a tapered portion of the tubular body, when the tubular body is inserted.
Implementation Method 2
a gap is disposed between the curved portion, and the end portion of the slit positioned at a side in an opposite direction to the leading-end side of the locking member, so that there is no contact while at least the locking member is moving.
Implementation Method 3
an oblique sliding surface for the guide unit that extends from an outer surface of the housing to an outer side in a diameter direction to enable a leading-end portion of the locking member to slide, when the locking member moves in the outer diameter direction
Data Source
AI summary
A locking member is mounted to the housing to be able to move in the outer diameter direction by a tapered portion of the tubular body, when the tubular body is inserted. The housing is equipped with slits formed to pass a curved portion bent in the inner diameter direction disposed at a leading-end side of the locking member and to lock with the engagement portion of the tubular body mounted on the housing. A gap is disposed between the curved portion, and the end portion of the slit positioned at a side in an opposite direction to the leading-end side of the locking member, so that there is no contact while at least the locking member is moving.