Discharge Device Locking Mechanism With Articulated Pawl
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing discharge devices for liquid media lack a cost-effective and flexible locking mechanism that ensures secure operation while maintaining ease of handling and low production costs.
Innovation Solution
A blocking device with a movable pawl and ratchet handle system, where the pawl is coupled with a thrust element to transition between locked and release positions, and optionally includes multiple pawls and handles for enhanced security and compact design, with guidance provided by grooves or a one-piece deformable component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device is added to prevent accidental operation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking handle and pawl are merged into a single integrated component that performs both blocking and releasing functions. The pawl is formed as one piece with the blocking handle, eliminating the need for separate locking and releasing mechanisms, thus improving reliability while minimizing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking handle serves multiple functions: it acts as both the locking mechanism (when positioned to block the actuating handle) and the releasing mechanism (when moved to allow actuation). The thrust element also serves dual purposes by both engaging the pawl to block movement and disengaging it to enable operation
2Reliability
If a blocking device with multiple components is used to ensure secure locking, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pawl and blocking handle are combined into a single molded plastic component, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing processes for multiple metal parts. This integration significantly reduces production cost while maintaining secure locking through the unified structure
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking device is designed as a disposable or low-cost component suitable for single-use or limited-life applications. The plastic construction and integrated design allow for cost-effective mass production, making the device economically viable for applications where high durability is not required
3Ease of operation
If a blocking device with separate handling directions is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking handle and pawl are designed with asymmetric movement paths that are perpendicular to each other. The blocking handle moves in one direction (e.g., laterally) while the pawl moves in a perpendicular direction (e.g., radially inward/outward). This asymmetric design provides intuitive and easy operation while being implemented through a simple integrated structure rather than complex mechanical linkages
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
1. Discharge device. 2.1. The invention relates to a discharge device for preferably liquid media comprising a housing (12), an actuating handle (20) which is designed to be movable relative to the housing (12), and a conveying device (16) which is designed to convey medium through a discharge opening (24) in response to a movement of the actuating handle (20) relative to the housing (12), wherein a locking device (30) is provided by means of which the relative mobility of the actuating handle (20) relative to the housing (12) can be restricted. 2.2. According to the invention, the locking device (30) comprises at least one pawl (50) which is movable along a defined pawl direction (2, 8) between a release position in which it does not impede the movement of the actuating handle (20) and a locking position in which it restricts the movement of the actuating handle (20) relative to the housing (12).at least one locking handle (40) which is movable along a defined locking handle direction (4, 6) that differs from the pawl direction (2, 8) in response to a manual force being applied, and at least one push element (62) by which the locking handle (40) is operatively coupled to the pawl (50), wherein the push element (62) is articulated to the locking handle (40) on one side and to the pawl (50) on the other side, so that by applying a force to the locking handle (40) the pawl (50) can be moved from the locked position to the released position and/or from the released position and the locked position. 3. Fig. 1b.