Safety Switch Locking Mechanism With Axial Force Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for safety switches subject the locking pin to high mechanical stress, requiring strong materials and designs to withstand bending stresses, which complicates their integration into safety switches with narrow designs.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a locking unit that moves axially to engage the locking element, using pivotably mounted actuator arms and a spring element to exert forces only in the axial direction, reducing bending stress and allowing for a simpler, space-saving design with mirror-symmetrical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the locking device uses a lateral force application mechanism to engage the locking element, then the locking action can be achieved, but the locking element is subjected to high bending stresses requiring strong materials and complex design
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying lateral force to engage the locking element, the invention inverts the approach by applying axial force along the movement axis of the locking element. The actuator moves in the direction of the locking element's axis of movement, transforming the force application direction from lateral to axial, thereby eliminating bending stresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the dimension of force application by moving from a lateral direction (perpendicular to the locking element's axis) to an axial direction (parallel to the locking element's axis). This dimensional change in force application eliminates the bending moment that would otherwise be generated.
2Strength
If the locking device is designed with high strength requirements to withstand bending stresses, then the locking element can withstand the mechanical stress, but the overall device size increases and integration into narrow safety switches becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the force application direction from lateral to axial, which fundamentally changes the stress distribution in the locking element. By applying force axially along the movement axis, the locking element only experiences compressive or tensile stresses without bending moments, allowing for a more compact design with reduced cross-sectional dimensions.
3Reliability
If the actuator applies lateral force to the locking element, then the locking action can be achieved, but the locking element experiences high mechanical stress and bending stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the force application approach by moving the actuator axially along the locking element's movement axis rather than applying lateral force. This ensures the locking action remains effective while the locking element experiences only axial compressive or tensile stresses, eliminating bending stresses entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a spring element as an intermediary between the actuator arms and the locking element. The spring element transmits the axial force from the actuator arms to the locking element, ensuring reliable locking action while distributing the force in a manner that avoids concentrated bending stresses.
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 solution minimizes the strength requirements of the locking element, enabling a more compact and robust design that effectively secures the protective device without excessive mechanical stress, facilitating secure locking and easy integration into safety switches.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator arms are connected by a spring element, whereby the actuator arms are held at a distance from each other by a spring force exerted by the spring element.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking device for a safety switch (1) comprising a locking element that is linearly movable along an axis of movement between an unlocked position and a locked position, and a locking unit (4) associated with the locking element, which is movable in the direction of the axis of movement relative to the locking element. The locking unit (4) can be moved into a locking position within the locking element, thereby effecting a locking action.