Dual-Latch Vehicle Hatch Locking for Forced-Opening Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hatch locking systems for rail vehicles are prone to accidental or malicious opening, failing to provide adequate security while being easy to use.
Innovation Solution
A locking system that utilizes two locks with a single control member to lock the hatch at multiple points, ensuring secure closure and easy unlocking, featuring a mechanism where the movement of a control member actuates both locks through a transmission system, making it difficult to forcefully open the hatch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single latch locking system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of preventing accidental or malicious opening deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into two independent latches (first latch and second latch) that operate at different locations on the hatch. Each latch provides independent security, and both must be simultaneously activated to open the hatch, thereby improving reliability without requiring a complex centralized control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control functions of two separate latches are merged into a single control member that can simultaneously actuate both latches. This integration maintains simplicity in operation while achieving enhanced security through multiple locking points, resolving the contradiction between complexity and reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple locks are used to secure the hatch at several closing points, then the reliability of preventing opening is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple latches are controlled through a single integrated control member that mechanically links the actuation of both latches. This merging of control functions reduces the operational complexity and number of independent components while maintaining the security benefits of multiple locking points.
Solution Approach 2:
The single control member serves multiple functions: it actuates the first latch, actuates the second latch, and provides a unified interface for the user. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity while achieving enhanced security through multiple latches.
3Ease of operation
If a single control member actuates multiple locks through a transmission member, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A transmission member acts as an intermediary between the single control member and the two latches. This intermediary mechanism efficiently transfers the actuation force from the control member to both latches, providing ease of operation while keeping the transmission mechanism simple and straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission member is designed to automatically distribute the actuation force to both latches without requiring additional control mechanisms or complex coordination systems. The mechanism serves itself by mechanically linking the latches to the control member, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a locking system (28) for a hatch, particularly a vehicle hatch. The locking system (28) comprises a first movable latch (50) between a locked and an unlocked configuration, a first actuating member (54) for the first latch (50), and a manually operable control member (60) linked to the first actuating member (54) such that movement of the control member (60) causes movement of the first actuating member (54). The locking system (28) further comprises a second latch (52), a second actuating member (56) for the second latch (52), and a transmission member (58) connecting the second actuating member (56) to the first actuating member (54) such that movement of the first drive member (54) causes a corresponding movement of the second actuating member (56).