Carabiner Automatic Locking Mechanism with Actuating Ring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing carabiners with automatic locking mechanisms face issues with tedious operation, potential inadvertent unlocking due to friction, and complex handling sequences, which compromise safety and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A carabiner design featuring a locking part with limited pivoting near the latching part, integrated with an actuating ring for quick unlocking, and a U-shaped steel wire link for flexible locking, allowing for automatic unlocking before the gate reaches the end of closing travel, enhancing manual operation and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a screw-type ring is used for locking, then the gate can be securely locked in the closed position, but the operation becomes tedious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking securityVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the screw-threaded mechanical system with a ball-lock mechanism that uses a simple rotational movement to engage and disengage the locking ball from the locking groove, eliminating the need for multiple turns and significantly reducing operation time while maintaining secure locking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking ball, a locking groove, and a return spring. This segmentation allows the locking action to be achieved through a single rotational movement that engages the ball with the groove, rather than requiring continuous threaded engagement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a bayonet-type ring is used for locking, then the gate can be blocked in the closed position, but inadvertent unlocking remains possible due to friction forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking stabilityVSAvoidinadvertent unlocking

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the bayonet-type rotational locking system with a ball-lock mechanism where the locking ball engages with a locking groove. This design eliminates the friction-based holding mechanism of bayonet rings that can lead to inadvertent unlocking, providing more reliable and predictable locking behavior

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The return spring automatically returns the locking ball to the engaged position with the locking groove after the gate is closed, ensuring the locking mechanism self-secures without requiring additional user action, thereby preventing inadvertent unlocking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a locking ring with multiple movement steps is used, then the gate can be securely locked, but the handling sequence becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking securityVSAvoidhandling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the multi-step bayonet ring operation with a simple ball-lock mechanism that requires only a single rotational movement of the actuating ring to both lock and unlock the gate, dramatically simplifying the handling sequence while maintaining secure locking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the locking and unlocking functions into a single rotational movement of the actuating ring, which simultaneously moves the locking ball into or out of engagement with the locking groove, eliminating the need for separate movement steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design simplifies the unlocking process, reduces the risk of inadvertent unlocking, and improves handling efficiency by enabling quick manual unblocking and automatic relocking, thereby enhancing safety and usability.

Implementation Method 1

a first return spring biasing the gate to the closed position by engagement of the securing part in a latching part of the gate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a blocking device comprising a movable locking part biased by flexible means to a locked position for automatic locking of the gate in the closed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8016073B2Carabiner with automatic locking

Publication Date: 2011.09.13 ZEDEL CORP

AI summary

A carabiner comprises a locking part elastically biased to a locked position for automatic locking of the pivoting gate in the closed position. The locking part is associated with an actuating ring coaxially surrounding the gate and used only when opening of the carabiner is performed for the gate to pivot to the unlocked position. The first end of the fixed body comprises a ramp to automatically unlock the locking part before the gate reaches the end of closing travel.