Crib Sliding Panel Lock With Cable-Actuated Dual Bolts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child bed protective barriers with sliding panels are impractical to use and require additional elements to ensure secure locking, making them difficult for parents to operate reliably.
Innovation Solution
A child bed design featuring a sliding panel with locking means actuated by a cable and lever system, allowing simultaneous operation of two bolts, which simplifies the locking and unlocking process while ensuring safety by arranging the actuating mechanism on the panel at equal distance from the sides, facilitating easy rotation and translation of the lock between locking and release positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple steps and/or large force are required for unlocking, then reliable locking is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A cable is introduced as an intermediary element connecting the actuating means to both locking bolts. The cable transmits the unlocking force from the actuating means to simultaneously release both bolts, eliminating the need for multiple manual operations while maintaining secure locking through the coordinated dual-bolt system
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating means is positioned at a distance from the locking means, utilizing spatial separation to allow a single rotational motion to trigger the cable mechanism that simultaneously actuates both bolts. This dimensional arrangement transforms a potentially complex multi-step process into a single rotational action
2Reliability
If additional elements are added to prevent child access to locking means, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating means is integrated directly into the sliding panel structure, merging the actuation function with the panel itself. This eliminates the need for separate protective elements or additional mechanisms to prevent child access, as the panel's own structure provides the controlled access point for the actuating means
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding panel's structure itself serves the dual function of both being the movable barrier and housing the actuating means. The panel's design inherently controls access to the actuation mechanism, requiring intentional action at the correct location and time, thus the system serves its own safety function without additional elements
3Ease of operation
If actuating means is arranged at distance from locking means, then ease of operation is improved, but transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible cable is used as the transmission medium between the actuating means and the locking bolts. The cable's flexibility allows it to accommodate the spatial separation and rotational motion of the actuating means while efficiently transmitting force to simultaneously actuate both bolts, simplifying the transmission mechanism compared to rigid linkages
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 user-friendly and reliable locking mechanism that prevents accidental unlocking, ensuring the sliding panel can be easily lowered for access while maintaining safety by automatically locking when raised, eliminating the need for complex operations or additional elements.
Implementation Method 1
said cable being adapted to wrap around said actuating means during said rotation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The crib has an activating button (28) placed remote from a lock (20), and a lever (30) placed between the button and the lock. The lock is placed on both sides of an upper edge in a sliding panel of a protection barrier and connected to the button by a cable (35). The panel slides with respect to a sleeping surface of the crib between a lower position and an upper position. The button activates the lock towards a releasing position from a locking position through rotation. The cable is surrounded around the button during the rotation of the button.