Mechanical Waveguide Connector With Dual-Pitch Preload Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for mechanical waveguides face challenges in achieving a high mechanical advantage while allowing for both large displacement at the connection start and high force at the end, which is crucial for preventing waveguide separation during mechanical wave propagation, especially in medical devices where external tools may not be feasible.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a first and second guide support body with a tubular member and screws having varying thread pitches, a triggering mechanism, and an indexer to manage angular positions, allowing for controlled rotation and translation of screws to achieve the necessary pre-load without requiring external tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single pitch thread is used, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the mechanical advantage cannot be varied between connection phases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection process is segmented into two phases using two different thread pitches: a first pitch for initial connection and gap closing, and a second pitch for final pre-load application. This segmentation allows each thread section to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The thread pitch dynamically changes along the length of the threaded section. The first portion has a first pitch suitable for initial engagement and gap closure, while the second portion has a second pitch for high-force pre-load. This dynamic variation in pitch provides adaptability without requiring complex variable pitch mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a variable pitch thread is used, then the mechanical advantage is improved for different connection phases, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a continuously variable pitch thread, the design uses discrete pitch segments. The first portion uses a first pitch and the second portion uses a second pitch, creating a stepwise rather than continuous variation. This reduces manufacturing complexity while still providing the needed mechanical advantage variation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the thread have different local qualities (pitch values) optimized for their specific functions. The first portion has coarser pitch for initial connection, while the second portion has finer pitch for pre-load. This local differentiation achieves functional versatility without global complexity.
3Force
If external tools are used to build pre-load, then the force application capability is improved, but the device portability and simplicity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is self-sufficient and does not require external tools for pre-load application. The built-in mechanism with dual-pitch threads and integrated triggering member allows the device to generate and apply the necessary pre-load forces independently, improving portability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The triggering member acts as an intermediary that converts rotational motion into linear motion to apply pre-load. This internal mechanism mediates between user input and the connection force, eliminating the need for external wrenches or tools while maintaining effective force application.
4Ease of operation
If a built-in mechanism is used, then the device portability is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The triggering member simultaneously controls both tubular screws, the thread sections are combined in sequence, and the indexer is integrated with the screw assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The first tubular screw serves multiple functions: it engages with both the first and second tubular screws through its dual-pitch thread structure, and it translates rotational motion into linear motion for both connection phases. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms.
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 efficient connection and disconnection of mechanical waveguides with a built-in mechanism providing a large mechanical advantage, allowing for effective wave propagation while minimizing user effort and preventing waveguide separation.
Implementation Method 1
a first tubular screw having a second thread extending on an external surface thereof and corresponding to the first thread, the first tubular screw being threadingly engaged into the tubular member and having a third thread extending on an internal surface thereof
Implementation Method 2
a second tubular screw having a fourth thread extending on an external surface thereof and corresponding to the third thread, the second tubular screw having a guide receiving hole extending along a length thereof for receiving the second mechanical waveguide herein, and being threadingly and frictionally engaged with the first tubular screw
Implementation Method 3
the second tubular screw having a guide receiving hole extending along a length thereof for receiving the second mechanical waveguide herein, and being threadingly and frictionally engaged with the first tubular screw
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a device for connecting a first mechanical waveguide and a second mechanical waveguide, including a first body for receiving the first waveguide, and a second body for receiving the second waveguide. The second body includes a tubular member having a first thread extending on an internal surface thereof, a first tubular screw having a second thread on an external surface corresponding to the first thread, and a third thread extending on an internal surface, with a pitch of the second thread being greater than a pitch of the third thread. The second body also includes a second tubular screw having a fourth thread extending on an external surface corresponding to the third thread with the second tubular screw being threadingly and frictionally engaged with the first tubular screw, a triggering member for rotating the first tubular screw, and an indexer for limiting a rotation of the second tubular screw to at least an initial angular position.