Connecting Rod Lock Pinion Segmentation for Smooth Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing espagnolette locks either lack protection against unauthorized movement or exhibit sluggish and uncomfortable operation due to self-locking mechanisms that hinder continuous and smooth movement of the connecting rod slide.
Innovation Solution
The drive pinion features a projection with a protruding edge that interacts with the connecting rod slide's teeth and pivot point at the end position, allowing for self-locking without pinion drive and enabling continuous, smooth operation by meshing teeth during pinion rotation, with a partial ring gear and strategically positioned projections for convenient and snag-free movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drive pins penetrate between lugs of the connecting rod connecting slide to achieve self-locking, then protection against unauthorized movement is improved, but the drive becomes sluggish and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The drive pinion is segmented into two functional parts: a partial ring gear with teeth for continuous engagement with the connecting rod connecting slide, and a projection with a protruding edge for self-locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the teeth provide smooth continuous movement while the projection provides discrete self-locking at end positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection with the protruding edge acts as an intermediary element between the drive pinion and the connecting rod connecting slide. It mediates the interaction by providing a mechanical stop that blocks unauthorized movement while allowing controlled movement when the drive pinion is actively driven. The protruding edge specifically engages with the pocket to create the self-locking effect.
2Reliability
If drive pins are used for self-locking, then blocking of unauthorized displacement is achieved, but continuous and smooth movement is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the driving function and the self-locking function into a single integrated drive pinion structure. The partial ring gear and the projection are combined on the same pinion body, eliminating the need for separate driving and locking mechanisms. This reduces overall device complexity while achieving both continuous smooth movement and reliable self-locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive pinion is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides continuous driving through its partial ring gear teeth and self-locking through its projection with protruding edge. This universal design eliminates the need for separate specialized components for each function, simplifying the overall mechanism.
3Reliability
If a projection with protruding edge is added to the drive pinion for self-locking, then security against unauthorized movement is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes geometric parameters of the projection and pocket to simplify manufacturing. The projection is designed with specific dimensions - wider than a tooth of the partial ring gear, with a width corresponding to the pocket width. The protruding edge is positioned at a specific distance from the pivot point. These parameter optimizations allow the projection to be manufactured as a simple integrated feature of the pinion body using standard machining processes.
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 ensures secure self-locking at end positions, facilitates smooth and continuous operation of the connecting rod slide, and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining ease of use and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the teeth are pressed against the edge of the projection in an attempted displacement of the connecting rod connecting slide without driving the drive pinion, so that the drive pinion is pressed in the direction of its pivot point
Implementation Method 2
When the drive pinion is driven, the edge of the projection is moved out of the range of movement of the teeth of the connecting rod connector slide
Implementation Method 3
the teeth of the partial ring gear get into the row of teeth of the connecting rod connecting slide. This enables a continuous and particularly convenient drive of the connecting rod connecting slide by rotating the drive pinion
Data Source
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AI summary
The lock has a driving pinion (8) comprising a projection (12) with a protruding edge (17). The edge is arranged between a tooth (22) of a connecting rod lock slider (9) and a pivotal point (14) of the driving pinion during operating the connecting rod lock slider in an end position. The driving pinion has a partial toothed gear (10) with teeth (11) extending over a portion of circumference of the driving pinion. The projection is arranged directly adjacent to the toothed gear on the circumference of the driving pinion.