Caravan Door Lock with Integrated Slider and Pinion Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional door locks for motorhomes and caravans are vulnerable to unauthorized access and lack integrated security measures that ensure safety from both inside and outside.
Innovation Solution
A door locking device with a profiled base and slider mechanism that allows locking and unlocking from both outside and inside, using a common set of components, featuring a pinion and control pin arrangement with a rack shape for secure operation, and an optional lock mechanism for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional door locks are used for motorhomes and caravans, then the locking function is provided, but the security against attempted violation and destruction is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the exterior lock and interior lock into a single integrated locking device. The base unit includes a slider that can receive different locking mechanisms (exterior lock with key cylinder or interior lock with control pin), allowing both locking functions to be combined in one device rather than using separate independent locks.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of locking mechanisms. The slider with two cavities can alternatively receive an exterior lock mechanism or an interior lock mechanism, making the base unit multi-functional and adaptable to different security requirements.
2Reliability
If additional interior lock is added to secure persons inside the vehicle, then security from inside is improved, but the assembly becomes more complex and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interior lock is merged with the exterior lock base unit. The control pin mechanism for interior locking is integrated into the same slider and base structure, eliminating the need for a completely separate interior locking assembly and reducing overall component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit serves multiple functions: it can alternatively receive an exterior lock mechanism or an interior lock mechanism, making it a universal platform that reduces the need for separate specialized locking assemblies for different security scenarios.
3Reliability
If elaborate locking mechanisms are used, then security is improved, but the manufacturing cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of locking mechanisms. This multi-functionality allows manufacturers to produce a single base unit type that can be configured for different security levels, reducing manufacturing costs through standardization while maintaining security flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is segmented into a standardized base unit and interchangeable locking mechanism components. This segmentation allows the base unit to be mass-produced at lower cost, while only the specific locking mechanism (exterior or interior) varies, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
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
Provides enhanced security by allowing exclusive locking from the inside, preventing access from the outside while maintaining ease of operation and cost-effectiveness with a unified component base.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arranged in the base and bearing on the pinion to maintain the pinion in a receiving cavity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The device (D) has a base (2) integrated with a link bar to authorize positioning of an axle that carries a pinion on a side of a slide (3) and carries a crank pin on an interior of a vehicle. The slide is internally arranged with adjacent cavities that are alternatively positioned with the pinion according to a locking/unlocking position. The slide is arranged with a toothed rack shape to authorize displacement of the slide. The pinion is moved temporarily by a lock mechanism that is carried by the slide, the pin or a control crank pin inside the vehicle during interior locking.