Automatic Door Locking Mechanism with Independent Elastic Returns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door closing mechanisms for electrical appliance enclosures require manual operation of handles to lock and unlock, which can be inconvenient and complex, especially when aiming for a simple and economical solution.
Innovation Solution
A door closing mechanism utilizing a control handle and bolt with elastic return means, where the handle and bolt have their own rest positions and elastic return mechanisms, allowing for automatic locking and unlocking without manual operation, using a reduced number of components and a mounting cradle for effective implementation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of handle is required to move the bolt for locking and unlocking, then the mechanism can be simple in structure, but the ease of operation deteriorates and convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The door closing mechanism automatically performs the locking function without requiring manual operation of the handle. The bolt is driven by the door's closing motion itself, and the elastic return means automatically returns the bolt to its initial position after locking, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for manual handle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic return means is pre-loaded to store energy that will automatically drive the bolt back to its initial position after the door closes and the bolt engages with the retaining member. This preliminary storage of energy enables automatic resetting without manual intervention.
2Ease of manufacture
If the mechanism uses a reduced number of components with separate elastic return means for handle and bolt, then manufacturing efficiency is improved and cost is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closing mechanism is divided into independent functional components: the handle with its own elastic return means, the bolt with its separate elastic return means, and the retaining member. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently and assembled into a complete mechanism, improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining clear functional responsibilities.
3Reliability
If the handle and bolt each have their own elastic return means and limit stops, then the reliability of automatic locking is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic return means act as cushioning elements that are pre-loaded to absorb and manage the forces during the locking and unlocking cycles. The limit stops provide predetermined boundaries that prevent over-travel and ensure reliable positioning. These elements are built into the design from the beginning to ensure consistent and reliable operation.
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
The mechanism enables automatic door closure and opening with reduced component count, enhancing both manufacturing and usage efficiency, providing a simple and economical solution for door closure in electrical appliance enclosures.
Implementation Method 1
said mechanism admits: an open door configuration where said handle and said bolt are each in a rest position where they are applied against a respective end stop by a respective elastic return means
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The mechanism (13) has a control handle (40) pivotably moved in a door (12), where the mechanism occupies a door releasing configuration in which a bolt (41) is in an unlocked position and the handle is in an unlocked position. The handle is driven against an elastic return unit i.e. spring, by a user from a rest position to its unlocked position. The bolt remains in a locked position until that a bearing surface (79) of the handle is in contact with a bearing surface (78) of the bolt. The bolt is driven against the return unit by the handle until its unlocked position.