Actuating Plate Locking Mechanism for Tool-Free Inspection Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuating devices for cistern drain valves face difficulties in easily moving actuating buttons into an inspection position, as they require complex mechanisms or tools for release.
Innovation Solution
An actuating device with a locking element that moves from a blocking to a releasing position, allowing easy access to the actuating buttons for inspection, featuring a locking cam and spring elements for operation without tools, and a guide track for concealed mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If actuating buttons are secured with complex locking mechanisms, then reliability of button positioning is improved, but ease of operation for inspection is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple independent locking elements (first locking element, second locking element) that can be individually actuated. Each locking element controls access to specific actuating buttons, allowing selective release for inspection while maintaining security for normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A releasing element acts as an intermediary between the user and the locking mechanism. This releasing element can be actuated from the front side of the actuating plate to move the locking elements from their blocking positions to releasing positions, enabling tool-free inspection access without compromising the secure locked state during normal use.
2Ease of operation
If actuating buttons are made movable for inspection, then ease of operation for maintenance is improved, but reliability of normal operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating buttons are designed with dynamic positioning capability - they can be held in a fixed initial position during normal operation by the locking elements, but can be moved to a revision position when the locking elements are actuated to the releasing position. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt between secure operation mode and maintenance mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking and releasing mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-operating. The locking elements automatically provide stops to prevent unwanted movement, and the releasing element enables controlled movement when needed. The spring element provides automatic resetting of the locking elements after release, eliminating the need for manual resetting or external tools.
3Shape
If locking elements are concealed during operation, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but detectability of release mechanism is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements have different appearance qualities at different positions. When in the blocking position, they are concealed within the actuating plate structure, providing a clean aesthetic appearance. When actuated to the releasing position, they become visible or accessible to indicate the release mechanism's location and operation status.
Solution Approach 2:
The releasing element serves as a visible intermediary that indicates the presence and operation of the concealed locking mechanism. By actuating the releasing element, users can locate and operate the release mechanism without needing to see the locking elements themselves, which remain mostly concealed to maintain aesthetic appearance.
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
Facilitates easy and tool-free movement of actuating buttons into inspection position, enhancing operational simplicity and safety by providing clear external access to the locking mechanism, preventing damage from improper tool use.
Implementation Method 1
The locking element preferably has a restoring element, with which the locking element can be moved from the releasing position into the blocking position after actuation has taken place.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The actuating device has an actuating plate, in which an actuating element is mounted for flushing. The actuating element moves along an actuation direction from an initial position to a final position during flushing. The actuating device also has a locking element (4).