Carabiner Locking Mechanism with Integrated Push-Button Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carabiners face issues with locking security, ease of use, and susceptibility to dirt due to the design of their locking devices, which often require simultaneous actuation of locking elements and allow dirt to penetrate, leading to impaired functionality.
Innovation Solution
A carabiner design where the locking device is integrated within the closure element, allowing single-action unlocking via a push button that activates a leaf spring or spring element, reducing protrusion beyond the closure element's circumference and incorporating a sleeve for additional safety to prevent unintentional actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two locking elements are arranged on the outside of the closure element for locking, then locking security is improved, but the device becomes susceptible to dirt penetration and the locking elements may protrude beyond the circumference
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements are integrated within the closure element's interior space rather than being arranged on the outside. The actuating element is pressed through a pressing surface on the closure element to actuate the locking elements from the inside, nesting the locking mechanism within the closure element's boundary to prevent dirt penetration while maintaining locking security
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are extracted from the external environment and placed inside the closure element. By moving the locking mechanism from the outside to the inside of the closure element, the design eliminates direct exposure to dirt and environmental contaminants while preserving the locking function
2Reliability
If two locking elements are used for locking, then locking security is improved, but the operation becomes complex requiring simultaneous actuation of both elements
Solution Approach 1:
Two locking elements are combined into a single integrated locking mechanism actuated by one pressing surface. Instead of requiring separate actuation of two independent locking elements, the design merges their actuation functions so that pressing the closure element once simultaneously actuates both locking elements, maintaining security while simplifying operation
Solution Approach 2:
The single pressing surface on the closure element serves multiple functions: it acts as the actuating element for unlocking, provides structural support for the locking mechanism, and enables simultaneous control of multiple locking elements. This multi-functionality reduces operational complexity while maintaining locking security
3Ease of operation
If the locking device is arranged outside the closure element for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but the locking device protrudes beyond the circumference and becomes susceptible to dirt
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is nested within the closure element's interior space, with the actuating element integrated into the closure element's structure. The pressing surface is formed on the closure element itself, allowing access without external protrusions, thus preventing dirt penetration while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is extracted from external arrangement and placed inside the closure element. The actuating function is maintained through the closure element's pressing surface, eliminating the need for external locking device components that would protrude and collect dirt
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 locking security, ease of use, and reduces dirt susceptibility by enabling single-action unlocking and preventing dirt ingress, while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
The locking element is designed in the form of a leaf spring which, in its non-loaded state, engages in a recess in the base body in a form-fitting manner
Implementation Method 2
The locking device can comprise a spring element and a locking pin, with actuation of the actuating element increasing a pretension of the spring element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Carabiner with a base body (1) forming an opening and a locking element (2), wherein the locking element (2) is pivotably connected to the base body (1) at one end and can be locked to the base body (1) at the other end by means of a locking device, wherein the locking device comprises an actuating element which is actuated by pressing to unlock, wherein the actuating element actuates a locking element arranged within the locking element which thereby releases itself from a locking with the base body (1).