Undercut Opening Stop Point With Fixed Projection for Axial Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing attachment points for undercut openings have insufficient axial load capacity due to deflectable elements that can deform under tensile loads, leading to detachment from the opening.

Innovation Solution

The attachment point features a fixed holding projection with a movable support element that secures the attachment point in the opening, preventing slippage and tilting, and can be designed monolithically with the shaft for enhanced stability and load-bearing capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If deflectable elements (balls or cylinders) are used to engage with the undercut opening, then the attachment point can be easily inserted and secured in the opening, but the axial load capacity is insufficient and the elements deform under tensile loads leading to detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertion and securingVSAvoidaxial load capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment point is divided into two distinct functional elements: a holding projection for engaging the undercut opening and separate support elements for preventing tilting. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function, with the holding projection designed for secure engagement and the support elements designed to prevent unwanted movements, thereby maintaining axial load capacity while ensuring ease of insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using deflectable elements that move outward to engage the undercut, the invention uses a holding projection with an immovable connection that maintains constant engagement. The support elements are designed to be movable to prevent tilting, which is the reverse of the conventional approach where the engagement elements themselves are made movable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Strength

If an immovable connection between the holding projection and shank is used, then axial load capacity and stability are improved, but the risk of unintentional detachment increases without additional support mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial load capacityVSAvoidrisk of unintentional detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support elements are pre-positioned on the shank before insertion into the opening. During insertion, these support elements automatically move to engage with the inner wall of the opening, establishing a preliminary constraint that prevents tilting and unintentional detachment before the holding projection fully engages with the undercut. This preliminary action ensures reliable engagement without requiring complex locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The support elements act as intermediary components between the holding projection and the opening wall. They provide an additional constraint mechanism that mediates the interaction between the immovable holding projection and the opening, preventing unintentional detachment by constraining tilting movements while allowing the holding projection to maintain its secure engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If support elements are added to prevent tilting and slippage, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against tilting and slippageVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support elements are merged with the shank structure, forming an integrated component rather than separate attachments. This combining of functions reduces the overall number of discrete parts while maintaining the reliability benefits of having both holding and support functions. The support elements are positioned and oriented to provide maximum constraint with minimal structural addition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support elements serve multiple functions: they prevent tilting of the attachment point, prevent slippage along the opening wall, and provide structural support during insertion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability through the versatile action of the support elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3472086B1Stop point for inserting into an undercut opening

Publication Date: 2023.06.07 RUD KETTENFABRIK RIEGER & DIETZ GMBH & CO

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AI summary

The invention relates to a stop point (1) for inserting into an undercut opening (61). The stop point (1) has a stop region (3) for stopping a lashing, lifting, or stopping means, a shaft (9) which extends along a shaft longitudinal axis (L) away from the stop region (3) for inserting into the opening (61), and a holding protrusion (13) on the shaft (9) end (11) facing away from the stop region (3), said protrusion protruding transversely to the shaft longitudinal axis (L). In order to improve the reliability of stop points and in particular the axial load-bearing capacity, the holding protrusion (13) is immovably connected to the shaft (9) according to the invention.