Caravan Locking Device Heart Cam Guide Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure devices for caravans and mobile homes have complex mechanical structures and generate noise, and are prone to malfunction due to vibrations, which limit their functionality.
Innovation Solution
A closure device with a heart curve guide and a swivel latch that uses a tension spring for secure locking and unlocking, featuring a catch connection with a catch jaw and projection for reliable operation and vibration resistance, allowing for a wide opening angle and easy adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a slider mechanism is used to lock and unlock the pivoting latch, then the locking function can be achieved, but the device generates noise and has complex mechanical design
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the slider component from the locking mechanism. Instead of using a slider that moves within grooves, the patent employs a direct pivoting latch mechanism where the latch itself pivots to engage and disengage from the locking part, thereby simplifying the mechanical design and eliminating the source of noise and complexity associated with the slider
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the traditional locking approach by using a pivoting latch that actively engages with the locking part through rotational movement rather than a slider that passively moves along a guide path. This inversion simplifies the mechanism by removing intermediate components and directly utilizing the pivoting motion for both locking and unlocking functions
2Ease of operation
If a slider mechanism is used for locking, then the locking function is provided, but the slider can jam under vibrations limiting functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the slider component that is susceptible to jamming under vibrations. The pivoting latch mechanism without a slider eliminates the friction and binding issues that occur when sliders are subjected to vibrational forces, thereby improving reliability in vibration-prone environments such as motorhomes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a simple, robust pivoting latch mechanism that is easier to manufacture and replace than a complex slider assembly. While not directly about disposability, this principle reflects the use of simpler, more resilient components that can withstand vibration without jamming, prioritizing reliability over complex functionality
3Volume of moving object
If the locking device is designed with a compact structure, then it is suitable for caravans, but the opening angle may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes dynamic pivoting motion of the latch mechanism that allows for a wide arc of movement. The pivoting latch can rotate through a large angle to achieve wide opening while maintaining a compact footprint when closed, as the rotational path is contained within a small radial distance from the pivot point
Solution Approach 2:
The invention resolves the conflict between compact size and wide opening angle by utilizing the third dimension (vertical clearance). The pivoting latch moves in an arc that extends upward and outward, allowing wide opening angles without increasing the horizontal footprint of the closed device, thus maintaining compactness while achieving wide accessibility
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 solution provides a low-noise, reliable, and easy-to-use closure device that maintains functionality even under strong vibrations, with a compact design suitable for caravans and mobile homes, and allows for adjustment to compensate for assembly-related tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
a tension spring (30), which biases the pivoting latch (20) from the closed position into an open position
Implementation Method 2
a heart-shaped cam guide (26) for guiding the control element (63.1, 63.2)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking device, in particular for a caravan or motorhome, wherein the locking device has a pivot latch (20) and a locking element (50) which can be attached to a first fixed or a second adjustable furniture part (70, 80), wherein the pivot latch (20) is pivotably connected to a holder (10) by means of a pivot bearing (13), wherein the pivot latch (20) can be adjusted from a closed position to an unlocked position in an opening direction by means of a tension spring (30), wherein the pivot latch (20) can be locked to the locking element (50) in the closed position by means of a releasable positive locking connection and can be unlocked relative to it in the unlocked position, and wherein the positive locking connection can be unlocked by applying an overtravel movement in the closing direction, opposite to the opening direction.In order to achieve reliable operation with a low number of parts in such a locking device, the invention provides that the positive locking connection is formed by a control element (63.1, 63.2) and a heart-shaped cam guide (26), and that the control element (63.1, 63.2) is positively locked against a blocking section (26.6) of the heart-shaped cam guide (26) in the closed position.