Bus Luggage Compartment Locking Mechanism with Pulling Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking systems for bus luggage compartments are limited in their ability to operate multiple flap locks simultaneously and are prone to malfunction due to twisting connection rods, which are necessary for pushing actions, and require additional equipment and materials.

Innovation Solution

A locking mechanism that allows operation of up to six locks from inside and outside, using a pulling action to actuate auxiliary drivers and eliminating the need for hard-material connection rods, with a flexible design that includes a movable front handle and a main rotary driver connected via a guiding system, allowing direct operation of flap locks without extra equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If hard-material connection rods are used to connect main driver to auxiliary drivers with pushing action, then the locking mechanism can operate multiple locks, but the connection rods are subject to twisting and malfunction over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of operable locksVSAvoidconnection rod stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the actuation direction from pushing to pulling. Instead of the main driver pushing connection rods to actuate auxiliary drivers, the main driver now pulls the connection rods. This inversion eliminates the twisting problem that occurred with pushing action, as pulling maintains proper rod alignment and prevents the malfunction issues described in the background.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If additional connection elements and equipment are used to drive unlocking mechanisms, then the locking system can operate multiple locks, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of operable locksVSAvoidnumber of connection elements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the connection rods multi-functional by eliminating the need for separate hard-material connection elements. The same connection rods that link the main driver to auxiliary drivers also serve as the actuating mechanism itself. This universality reduces device complexity by removing redundant components while maintaining the capability to operate multiple locks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary hard-material connection elements from the system. By redesigning the connection rods to function without additional connection components, the patent removes redundant parts that increased complexity and manufacturing costs, while preserving the multi-lock operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the locking mechanism is designed to operate up to six locks from inside and outside, then the adaptability to different bus models is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidmechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the locking system into modular components: a main driver that can be positioned at different locations, multiple auxiliary drivers distributed across different locks, and independent connection rods for each auxiliary driver. This segmentation allows the same basic mechanism structure to be adapted to operate up to six locks in various configurations required by different bus models, without proportionally increasing overall mechanism complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 provides a flexible and reliable operation of multiple locks, reduces the risk of connection rod twisting, and lowers manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for additional components and materials.

Implementation Method 1

Said main rotary driver (18) is rotated by said connecting lever (17) against the force of a restoring spring (31)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a rear side actuation member (15) which is slidably movable on a pair of transversal guiding rails (16)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP1950367B1Luggage compartment locking mechanism for a plurality of flaps

Publication Date: 2009.11.25 MAKERSAN MAKINA OTOMOTIV SANAYI TICARET

Figure 1
Figure 2.a~2.b
Figure 3

AI summary

The present invention proposes a locking mechanism for luggage compartments of buses for operating a plurality of flap locks (32). The mechanism comprises a housing (30) having a front plate (11) associated with a front plate handle (14), a transmission element (23) that is rigidly joined to said front handle body (14) so as to transmit displacement of said front handle to a rear plate driving mechanism. Said rear plate driving mechanism comprises a rotary driver (18) driving a plurality of connection rods (24) associated with flap locks (22). Said actuation mechanism further comprises an actuation member (15) being in association with auxiliary driver (21) mechanisms and installed between said transmission element (23) and said rotary driver (18).