Angled Gear Lock Mechanism for Compact Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locks with gear-based locking mechanisms require significant space and multiple parts, leading to reduced safety and reliability when downsized for compact applications.
Innovation Solution
The locking mechanism features a gear element with a movement axis angled between 10° to 80° relative to the lock housing, utilizing space efficiently by aligning the gear element geometrically towards the rear, and incorporating a lever element with a toothed section and slot connection geometry to convert rotary motion into linear bolt movement, reducing the overall size of the lock housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional gear-based locking mechanisms are used, then the locking function is reliable, but the lock housing size increases and safety is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The gear element is nested within the lock housing such that its movement axis is angled relative to the forend, allowing the gear mechanism to be contained within the available space without increasing the external dimensions of the lock housing. The gear element's teeth engage with the bolt while remaining compactly arranged.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement axis of the gear element is arranged at an angle of 10° to 80° relative to the forend, utilizing three-dimensional space more efficiently. This angular arrangement allows the gear mechanism to operate within a compact volume by distributing the mechanical action across multiple spatial dimensions rather than requiring a linear extension.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple gear parts are used for the locking mechanism, then the locking function is achieved, but the device complexity and space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gear element is designed as a single integrated component that combines the functions of multiple separate gear parts. The gear element has teeth that directly engage with the bolt and is rotated by the transmission element, merging what would traditionally require multiple discrete gears into one unified component, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the locking function.
3Volume of stationary object
If the lock mechanism is downsized, then the lock housing size is reduced, but safety and reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The angle of the movement axis relative to the forend is optimized within the range of 10° to 80° to achieve the best compromise between compactness and mechanical advantage. This parameter optimization allows the gear element to generate sufficient locking force within a reduced space, maintaining reliability while minimizing the lock housing size.
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
This configuration allows for a more compact and reliable locking mechanism with reduced space requirements, enhancing the integration density and safety by optimizing the use of available space within the lock housing.
Implementation Method 1
The interaction between the bolt and the transmission element comprises at least one gear element that extends in a movement axis
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a lever element with a toothed section and slot connection geometry to convert rotary motion into linear bolt movement
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The lock has a closure mechanism including a transmission element (5) that is rotatably received within a locking housing (2) and designed to interact with an interlock (4) for moving the interlock between two positions. A drive element (6) interacts between the interlock and the transmission element, extends along an axis of motion (7), which runs angularly to a cover (3) and includes a helix angle (alpha) ranging from 10 degree to 80 degree. The drive element is geometrically adapted for saving space in a direction along a rear side of the locking housing.