Dual-Direction Locking Assembly for Space-Constrained Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking assemblies allow unlocking only in a single direction, which can be limiting in scenarios with restricted space.
Innovation Solution
A locking assembly that allows unlocking in two directions, utilizing a movable component with a sleeve, pin, and unlocking handle, featuring tapered surfaces for smooth movement and a design that accommodates unlocking along both the Z-axis and X-axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional locking assembly is used, then the locking function is reliable, but the unlocking operation is limited to a single direction which reduces adaptability in space-constrained environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second unlocking direction (X-axis) in addition to the traditional first unlocking direction (Z-axis), transforming a single-dimension unlocking mechanism into a multi-dimension system. This allows the movable component to be extracted from the housing through either the first unlocking hole or the second unlocking hole, providing flexibility in space-constrained environments without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a locking assembly with multi-directional unlocking is designed, then the adaptability in restricted space is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The movable component serves multiple functions: it can be locked in place by the housing, extracted through the first unlocking hole in the Z-axis direction, or extracted through the second unlocking hole also in the Z-axis direction. This multi-functional design allows a single component to provide multiple unlocking paths, improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing the number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly is segmented into distinct functional parts: the housing with multiple unlocking holes, the movable component with corresponding extraction paths, and the locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity, enabling multi-directional unlocking without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking assembly can lock a workpiece. The workpiece includes a locking hole. The locking assembly includes a housing, a movable component, and an unlocking handle. The movable component includes a sleeve, a pin, and an unlocking cover. The sleeve is mounted on the housing. The pin is accommodated in the sleeve, and a portion of the pin protrudes from the housing and accommodated in the locking hole. The unlocking cover is fixed to the pin. The unlocking handle is disposed between the unlocking cover and the sleeve. The unlocking cover can be pulled from a first direction to move the pin out of the locking hole; or the unlocking handle can be pulled from a second direction intersecting with the first direction, and the unlocking handle can abut against the unlocking cover to drive the pin to move out of the locking hole.