Bidirectional Locking Mechanism With Dual Pivoting Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake systems lack effective mechanisms for securely locking components to prevent unwanted movement, particularly in applications involving mobile devices or vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism featuring a lock member with multiple projections and first and second pivotable engaging members that can engage with the lock member to inhibit rotation in opposite directions, providing a locked condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is designed to provide strong locking force, then the reliability of preventing unwanted movement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a lock member with multiple projections, a first engaging member for one rotation direction, and a second engaging member for the opposite rotation direction. Each component has a specific function, allowing the system to achieve reliable bidirectional locking through modular segmentation rather than a single complex locking structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second engaging members are combined with the lock member to form an integrated locking system where multiple engaging members work simultaneously with multiple projections. This merging of components creates a compact mechanism that provides strong locking force in both rotation directions without requiring separate locking systems for each direction.
2Force
If multiple engaging members are used to lock in both rotation directions, then the locking force is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second engaging members are designed to automatically engage with the projections on the lock member based on the rotation direction. The mechanism self-adjusts and locks in the appropriate direction without requiring manual intervention or complex control systems, maintaining ease of operation while providing strong locking force.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact locking mechanism is designed, then the volume is reduced, but the locking reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging members are positioned to interact with the projections on the lock member in a nested arrangement where the first and second engaging members work in conjunction with multiple projections around the circumference. This nesting allows the mechanism to maintain a compact volume while ensuring reliable locking through multiple engagement points.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking mechanism according to the disclosure may include a lock member having multiple projections, and first and second engaging members that are each pivotable with respect to the lock member. The first engaging member is engageable with the lock member to inhibit relative rotation between the lock member and the engaging members in a first rotation direction, and the second engaging member is engageable with the lock member to inhibit relative rotation between the lock member and the engaging members in a second rotation direction opposite the first rotation direction. The first and second engaging members may be simultaneously engageable with the lock member to provide a locked condition of the locking mechanism in which the first and second engaging members are each engaged with a respective one of the projections.