Universal Shaft Guard with Elastic Latching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protective devices for universal shafts require complex clamping mechanisms for attaching protective guards, which can be cumbersome and prone to unintentional disassembly.

Innovation Solution

A protective device featuring an attachment element, a tubular guard, and a latching device with elastically formed latching elements that automatically lock onto a latching projection, eliminating the need for manual clamping and providing a secure, tool-assisted release mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If clamping mechanisms are used to attach the protective guard, then the protective guard can be securely fixed, but the mounting process becomes complex and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixationVSAvoidmounting complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective guard is designed with self-latching capability through integrated latching elements and latching projections. When the protective guard is pushed onto the attachment element, the latching elements automatically engage with the latching projections without requiring manual intervention or additional clamping tools, achieving secure fixation through self-service

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The latching function is merged into the protective guard structure itself by integrating latching elements directly onto the guard. This combines the protective function and the latching function into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate clamping mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If manual clamping means are used for fixing the protective guard, then secure attachment can be achieved, but the operation becomes time-consuming and prone to unintentional disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmounting ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The latching elements are designed to automatically engage with latching projections when the protective guard is installed. This self-latching mechanism eliminates the need for manual clamping operations, making the mounting process simple and fast while ensuring reliable attachment without being prone to human error or unintentional disassembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The latching elements are designed with elastic properties, allowing them to dynamically adjust during the mounting process. The elastic deformation enables the latching elements to flex during installation and then lock into place, providing both ease of operation during mounting and secure fixation once installed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If elastic latching elements are used for automatic locking, then tool-assisted release becomes possible, but the risk of unintentional release increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisassembly easeVSAvoidunintentional release prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The latching element and latching projection are designed with asymmetric geometry. The latching projection has a specific shape that allows easy engagement during installation but requires a deliberate tool-assisted action to disengage. This asymmetric design creates a one-way locking mechanism that prevents unintentional release while maintaining ease of controlled disassembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

A tool is introduced as an intermediary to interact with the latching element for release. The tool mediates the disengagement process by applying force to a specific feature of the latching element, providing a controlled and deliberate release mechanism that prevents accidental disassembly while maintaining ease of operation when the tool is used

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables simple and secure mounting of the protective guard around the universal shaft without manual actuation, ensuring reliable attachment and easy disassembly, while preventing unintentional release.

Implementation Method 1

The latching element is elastic formed for taking-up the latched position and in the latched position engages behind the latching projection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10309466B2Protective device for a universal shaft as well as protective arrangement with universal shaft and such a protective device

Publication Date: 2019.06.04 JEAN WALTERSCHEID GMBH

AI summary

A protective device for a universal shaft (3) has an attachment element (6), a tubular protective guard (7) and a latching device (24, 25). The attachment (6) is positioned around a shaft journal (2) projecting from a housing (1) and is attached to said housing (1). The tubular protective guard (7) extends along a longitudinal axis L and is positioned around a universal shaft (3) connected to the shaft journal (2). The latching device has at least one latching element (24) and at least one latching projection (25). The latching element (24) is arranged on either the attachment element (6) or the protective guard. The latching projection (25) is arranged on either the protective guard (7) or the attachment element (6). The latching element (24) is displaceable between a latched position and a release position. The latching element (24) is elastically formed and engages, in the latched position, behind the latching projection (25).