Door Lock Cam Mechanism with Bias Member and Stop
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door lock mechanisms lack a smooth and controlled locking and unlocking process, often requiring manual effort and lacking efficient mechanisms to prevent over-rotation, which can lead to mechanical stress and user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A door lock mechanism that utilizes a cam mechanism rotated by a bias member and stop mechanisms to smoothly transition between locked and unlocked states, with the bias member absorbing impact and the stop mechanisms preventing over-rotation, allowing for controlled locking and unlocking via a key or remote actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cam mechanism is used to move lock rods into and out of an enclosure, then the locking and unlocking process becomes smoother and more controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cam mechanism with the lock rod assembly into an integrated unit where the cam's rotational movement directly drives the lock rod's linear movement. This merging of functions allows the locking and unlocking actions to be performed through a single rotational motion of the cam, providing smooth and controlled operation while avoiding the need for separate actuation mechanisms for each lock rod.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism introduces dynamic motion characteristics to the locking system. As the cam rotates, its varying radius creates a dynamic force profile that smoothly accelerates and decelerates the lock rods during engagement and disengagement. This dynamic approach replaces static or linear actuation methods, providing better control over the locking process while maintaining relatively simple mechanical components.
2Reliability
If stop mechanisms are added to prevent over-rotation of the cam mechanism, then mechanical stress is reduced and reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop mechanisms are pre-positioned within the housing at specific locations that correspond to the maximum and minimum rotational positions of the cam. Before the cam can over-rotate and cause mechanical stress, the stops physically block further rotation. This preliminary action prevents damage before it occurs, ensuring reliability without requiring complex sensors or active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop mechanisms act as intermediary elements between the cam mechanism and the housing. These stops transfer the rotational motion limitation from the housing structure to the cam, providing a simple yet effective means of preventing over-rotation. The stops serve as mechanical mediators that convert the housing's structural constraints into direct control over cam rotation, reducing mechanical stress while adding minimal complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a bias member is coupled to the cam mechanism at a cam pin located on a side of the centerline in the locked state and on the opposing side in the unlocked state, then the door lock mechanism can be biased into either locked or unlocked state, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cam pin is deliberately positioned asymmetrically relative to the cam's centerline, with its location varying depending on whether the mechanism is in the locked or unlocked state. This asymmetric positioning allows the bias member to effectively bias the mechanism toward either state by applying force at different lever arms. The asymmetry provides versatile biasing capability while the cam's geometry naturally accommodates the varying pin positions through its rotational movement.
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 seamless and controlled locking and unlocking process, reducing mechanical stress and enhancing user experience by ensuring precise engagement and disengagement of lock rods, while allowing for both manual and remote operation.
Implementation Method 1
a bias member having first and second bias member ends, the first bias member end coupled to the housing at a housing pin and the second bias member end coupled to the cam mechanism at a cam pin... the bias member can cause the door lock mechanism to be biased into either of the locked or unlocked states... The bias member can further absorb impact from the lock rods
Data Source
AI summary
A door lock mechanism that rotates a cam mechanism to lock or unlock an enclosure. The mechanism includes a bias member that is coupled to the cam mechanism with a cam pin, where the cam pin is located on one side of the centerline of the lock in the locked state, and on the other side of the centerline of the lock in the unlocked state, to bias the cam mechanism into either the locked or unlocked state. Further disclosed are one or more stop mechanisms that prevent the cam mechanism from over-rotating past the locked or unlocked position. The bias member can further absorb impact from the lock rods of the door lock mechanism contacting the stop mechanisms.