Box Apparatus Lock Mechanism with Bi-Directional Swinging Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lock mechanisms for box-shaped apparatuses are inconvenient to use due to complex locking and releasing processes and are prone to accidental opening because the lock is typically located on the outside, affecting the appearance and security of the device.
Innovation Solution
A lock mechanism utilizing a bi-directional swinging arm and a pivoting lock rod, where the lock rod is pivoted between the cover and the casing, allowing for lever movement and interference-driven arm swings to easily lock or release the cover, with the mechanism being integrated into the cover and casing for a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional lock is disposed on the outside of the cover, then the locking function is provided, but the appearance is affected and the lock can be operated arbitrarily causing accidental opening
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is nested within the cover and casing structure. The lock rod is received in a recess of the cover, and the driving arm is disposed between the cover and the casing. This nesting arrangement hides the locking components, maintaining a clean external appearance while preserving the locking function and preventing arbitrary operation.
2Reliability
If a conventional lock is disposed on the outside of the cover, then the locking function is provided, but the locking and releasing processes are complicated making it inconvenient for users
Solution Approach 1:
The essential locking function is extracted and implemented through a simplified mechanism. Instead of a complex conventional lock, the invention uses a lock rod that can be directly actuated by a driving arm, reducing the number of components and steps required for locking and releasing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving arm serves as an intermediary between the user's operating force and the lock rod. The driving arm receives force in either direction and converts it into the appropriate motion of the lock rod, simplifying the user's interaction while maintaining reliable locking and releasing functions.
3Reliability
If the lock mechanism is integrated into the cover and casing, then the appearance is maintained and security is improved, but the mechanism requires precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-positioning. The lock rod is received in a recess that guides its position, and the driving arm is disposed in a space that naturally positions it relative to the lock rod. This self-service design reduces the need for high-precision manufacturing while ensuring 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
Enhances user convenience by simplifying locking and releasing operations while improving security by preventing accidental opening, as the lock mechanism is hidden within the cover and casing, maintaining the apparatus's compact appearance and increasing its usability.
Implementation Method 1
The lock rod is pivoted to one of the cover and the casing through the pivot portion so that the first end and the second end could perform a lever movement relative to the pivot portion
Implementation Method 2
The interference portion drives the free end of the arm portion to make the arm portion swing to the first swing position or the second swing position when the first end or the second end is pressed
Data Source
AI summary
A lock mechanism includes a driving arm having an arm portion and a fixing portion and a lock rod having first and second ends and a pivot portion. The pivot portion is pivoted to one of a cover and a casing. The fixing portion is disposed on the one of the cover and the casing so as to make a free end of the arm portion interfere with an interference portion of the lock rod. The arm portion swings to a first position or a second position when receiving force. When the first end or the second end is pressed, the interference portion drives the free end to make the arm portion swing to the first or second position, so as to make the lock rod move to a locking position for fixing the cover on the casing or a releasing position for releasing the cover from the casing.