Cylinder Actuation Mechanism for Ergonomic Lock Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical cylinders for driving mechanisms require uncomfortable key rotation and separate handling bodies for actuation, leading to increased complexity and costs in lock structures.
Innovation Solution
A cylinder design with a handling body integrated into the mechanism, where the rotation of a second rotating body, actuated by a key, transforms into a displacement of a coupling element to couple the cam, allowing ergonomic actuation and simplifying the lock structure by eliminating the need for a separate handle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a key is used to rotate the rotating body in known mechanical cylinders, then the cylinder can be actuated, but the key rotation becomes uncomfortable and tiring especially when repeated in succession
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the handling body (knob or handle) with the rotating body into a single integrated component. The handling body is fixed to the rotating body and rotates together with it, eliminating the need for separate key insertion and rotation. This integration allows users to actuate the cylinder by simply rotating the handling body, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining acceptable structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate handling body is added to move the latch with open lock, then the latch can be actuated, but the structural complexity of the lock increases with consequent increases in construction and assembly costs
Solution Approach 1:
The handling body is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the actuation interface for rotating the rotating body and as the means to move the latch when the bolt is retracted. The cam mechanism coupled to the rotating body enables the handling body to actuate both the bolt (through direct rotation) and the latch (through cam-induced motion), providing universal functionality without requiring separate handles or actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the latch actuation function with the existing handling body and cam mechanism. When the bolt is fully retracted, rotating the handling body causes the cam to interact with the latch, moving it to the open position. This merging of functions eliminates the need for a separate handling body for latch actuation, reducing structural complexity while maintaining functional versatility.
3Ease of operation
If the cam is selectively coupled to the first rotating body, then the actuation mechanism can transform rotation into displacement, but the device requires more components
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the cam and the first rotating body is made selective and dynamic rather than fixed. The coupling element can assume a coupling position (connecting cam to rotating body) or a decoupling position (disconnecting them). This dynamic coupling allows the actuation mechanism to be engaged only when needed, enabling ergonomic actuation through the handling body while minimizing the number of permanently installed components.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element acts as an intermediary between the cam and the first rotating body. It selectively transmits motion from the cam to the rotating body when in the coupling position, and isolates them when in the decoupling position. This intermediary component enables the selective transformation of rotational motion into linear displacement only when required, reducing the need for continuously engaged mechanical linkages.
Data Source
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AI summary
Cylinder (1) for driving mechanisms comprising a main body (2), a first rotating body (4) rotatably housed in the main body (2), a cam (5), rotatably fixed to the main body (2) and selectively couplable to the first rotating body (4), a coupling element (6) structured to alternatively assume a coupling position in which it couples the cam (5) with the first rotating body (4) and a decoupling position, a handling body (7) rigidly fixed to the first rotating body (4) for rotating the first rotating body (4) about the axis of rotation (100), a second rotating body (8) rotatably housed in the handling body (7) and an actuation mechanism (10) mechanically interposed between the second rotating body (8) and the coupling element (6) to transform a rotation of the second rotating body (8) into a displacement of the coupling element (6) from the decoupling position to the coupling position, and/or vice versa.