Locking device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for electrical devices, such as washing machines, require significant installation space and are not easily adaptable for different devices or retrofits, limiting their versatility and compactness.
Innovation Solution
A compact locking device featuring a tensioning mechanism with two coaxially arranged springs, where a first inner spring is surrounded by a second outer spring, allowing for a small footprint and mechanical coupling between a linearly movable plunger and locking pin, enabling reliable locking with minimal space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional locking devices are used, then reliable locking is achieved, but installation space requirements are excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested spring configuration where the first inner spring is surrounded by the second outer spring, both arranged coaxially. This nesting arrangement allows two springs to occupy the same spatial envelope, dramatically reducing the overall volume required for the clamping device while maintaining the mechanical coupling function between the plunger and locking pin.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional side-by-side spring arrangement to a coaxial nested configuration, effectively utilizing the radial dimension to pack two springs into the space previously occupied by one. This dimensional reorganization reduces the axial length and overall footprint of the locking device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional locking devices are used, then locking function is provided, but adaptability to different devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The compact coaxial nested spring design creates a universal locking mechanism that can be adapted to various electrical devices including washing machines. The standardized plunger-locking pin coupling mechanism with reduced dimensional requirements allows the same basic design to be applied across different device types and sizes, enhancing versatility.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional locking devices are used, then locking is achieved, but retrofitting is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The nested spring configuration reduces the overall footprint of the locking device to a程度 that enables installation in space-constrained environments such as existing washing machines during retrofitting. The compact coaxial arrangement fits within available mounting spaces that would be insufficient for conventional side-by-side spring designs.
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 compact and versatile locking device that can be installed in various devices, including washing machines, offering reliable locking with minimal space usage and ease of retrofitting, ensuring secure operation while optimizing installation space.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping device has two coaxially arranged springs, wherein a first inner spring of the clamping device is at least partially surrounded by a second outer spring of the clamping device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates, inter alia, to a locking device (10) for, in particular, electrical, appliances, especially washing machines, comprising a linearly movable locking pin (18) and a linearly movable plunger (16) for the locking pin (18), wherein the plunger (16) is connected to the locking pin (18) by means of a clamping device. The locking device (10) is characterized in that the clamping device has two coaxially arranged springs (30, 32), wherein a first inner spring (30) of the clamping device is at least partially surrounded by a second outer spring (32) of the clamping device.