Rod end with locking device for struts
AssigneeAlbany Engineered Composites, Inc.
InventorsRalph Funck, Martin Welsch, Alexander Wieland
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention concerns a rod end that has a locking mechanism where the locking mechanism has an insert, a fork end, a female torque locking element, and a male torque locking element. Upon activation of the locking mechanism, the female torque locking element engages with the male torque locking element in a form-fitting connection. The locking mechanism of the present invention can easily be activated and is capable of withstanding a torque.
Claims17
A rod end comprising an integrated locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is a part of the rod end and comprises an insert, a fork end, a female torque locking element, and a male torque locking element, wherein upon activation of the locking mechanism, the female torque locking element engages with the male torque locking element in a form-fitting connection, and wherein a length of the rod end is adjustable without application of additional torque when mounting the rod end.
A rod end comprising an integrated locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is a part of the rod end and comprises an insert, a fork end, a female torque locking element, a male torque locking element, and a spring,
- wherein upon activation of the locking mechanism, the female torque locking element engages with the male torque locking element in a form-fitting connection,
- wherein the female torque locking element is situated inside the insert at a position where the female torque locking element is not engaged with the male torque locking element, and
- wherein the spring is situated below the female torque locking element such that upon adjusting the female torque locking element into a free position, the female torque locking element is moved by the spring such that the female torque locking element engages the male torque locking element in the form-fitting connection, and
- wherein the insert has a snap-in groove that holds the female torque locking element at a position where the female torque locking element is not engaged with the male torque locking element until the locking mechanism is activated.
A rod end comprising an integrated locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is a part of the rod end and comprises an insert, a fork end, a female torque locking element, and a male torque locking element, wherein upon activation of the locking mechanism, the female torque locking element engages with the male torque locking element in a form-fitting connection, and wherein the male torque locking element further comprises one or more keys and a male radial sprocket.
A rod end comprising an integrated locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is a part of the rod end and comprises an insert, a fork end, a female torque locking element, a male torque locking element, and a spring,
- wherein upon activation of the locking mechanism, the female torque locking element engages with the male torque locking element in a form-fitting connection,
- wherein the female torque locking element is situated inside the insert at a position where the female torque locking element is not engaged with the male torque locking element, and
- wherein the spring is situated below the female torque locking element such that upon adjusting the female torque locking element into a free position, the female torque locking element is moved by the spring such that the female torque locking element engages the male torque locking element in the form-fitting connection, and wherein the insert comprises a groove and the female torque locking element comprises a groove and wherein one or more keys of a release clip fit into the grooves such that the locking mechanism is inactive.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.