Control Apparatus Locking Plate for Tool-Free Filter Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control apparatuses face challenges in easily pivoting a locking plate to release a lock, particularly in configurations where the lock is released by pivoting a locking plate, making it difficult to replace filters without tools.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus design featuring a pivotable holding plate and locking member with a bush and screw mechanism allows easy rotation of the locking plate, facilitating filter replacement without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking plate is made rigid and firmly engaged to ensure secure locking, then the locking reliability is improved, but the difficulty of pivoting the locking plate increases
Solution Approach 1:
A bush is introduced as an intermediary component between the locking plate and the housing. The bush has a through-hole that receives the locking plate, and its inner diameter is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the locking plate, creating a clearance that reduces friction and enables easy pivoting while maintaining locking reliability through the contact portion.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the locking mechanism is designed with strong engagement force to secure the holding plate, then the locking stability is improved, but the force required to pivot the locking plate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bush acts as a mediator that reduces the contact area and friction between the locking plate and housing. The clearance fit allows the locking plate to pivot with minimal force while the contact portion maintains sufficient engagement force for stable locking when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking plate is designed to be dynamically pivotable within the bush during operation. The slight clearance allows for easy pivoting motion while maintaining stable engagement in the locked position, enabling tool-free filter replacement.
3Reliability
If the locking plate is firmly fixed to the housing to prevent movement, then the locking security is improved, but the ability to pivot the locking plate for filter replacement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bush serves as an intermediary that allows controlled movement of the locking plate. It provides a clearance fit that enables pivoting for filter replacement while maintaining sufficient friction and contact for secure locking when the locking plate is closed.
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
Enables easy and tool-free filter replacement by reducing friction and resistance during rotation of the locking plate, ensuring effective dust prevention and efficient air intake ventilation.
Implementation Method 1
a bush including a tube portion having a through hole and inserted in the opening and a collar portion formed continued from the tube portion and contactable with a first surface of the engaging portion, the tube portion having a length larger than a thickness of the engaging portion of locking plate
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus includes a housing, a holding plate pivotable between a first state at which a first surface of the holding plate is close to the first panel and a second state at which the first surface is spaced apart from the first panel, and a locking member. The locking member includes a locking plate, a bush and a pin. The locking plate is pivotably supported so as to be pivotable about an opening of the engaging portion in a state in which the engaging portion is held between a collar portion of the bush and the first panel of the housing.