Auxiliary Lock Reinforcement Structure Using Overlapping Flanges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auxiliary locks lack a robust reinforcement structure to prevent damage to the outside housing and lock cylinder, leading to instability and limited applicability, and current solutions are costly due to material intensity and complex manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a tubular inside housing with axially extending flanges and a mounting plate that securely engages with the lock cylinder, using a housing ring and guide slots for easy installation, and a locking member for secure connection, reducing material usage and manufacturing costs while enhancing structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a reinforcement housing is added to protect the lock cylinder, then the structural strength is improved, but the material usage and manufacturing complexity increase, resulting in high retail price
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement structure is divided into separate components: a reinforcement plate and a mounting plate, rather than using a single complex housing. The reinforcement plate can be independently manufactured and then attached to the mounting plate, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock assembly uses a composite structure combining the original housing material with a reinforcement plate of different material properties. This allows the reinforcement plate to provide additional strength without requiring the entire housing to be made from high-strength material, reducing overall material costs and manufacturing complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If bolts are used to assemble the outside housing, then the housing can be assembled, but there is no integrated fixation between the outside housing and lock cylinder, resulting in low stability
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate integrates multiple functions: it serves as the base for attaching the lock cylinder, provides mounting surfaces for the reinforcement plate, and includes integrated fixation features. This merging of functions into a single component eliminates the need for separate fixation mechanisms and improves overall stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement plate is nested within the mounting plate structure, with the reinforcement plate positioned between the mounting plate and the lock cylinder. This nested arrangement provides integrated fixation while maintaining ease of assembly through the pre-configured mounting plate.
3Ease of manufacture
If the outside housing is designed for a fixed door bore, then the housing can be assembled, but its applicability is limited to specific door sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate incorporates adjustable features that allow it to adapt to different door bore sizes. The reinforcement plate can be positioned and secured at various locations on the mounting plate, enabling the same basic design to accommodate different door configurations without requiring custom housing for each size.
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary lock includes an inside housing mounted to a lock cylinder and a first flange extends axially from one of two ends of the inside housing. A mounting plate is mounted to the lock cylinder and contacts the inside housing. The mounting plate includes a second flange which is mounted to outside of the first flange of the inside housing. The lock cylinder is protected and reinforced in the radial direction by the overlapped first and second flanges. When the inside housing is hit, the inside housing does not expand outward to be pried up. The reinforcement structure is made by way of pressing to use less material and to reduce the manufacturing cost.