Eccentric Docking Lock Mechanism for Heavy-Object Securing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking and locking mechanisms are inconvenient, unreliable, and inefficient for securing objects in place, particularly for large or heavy items, and often require frequent replacement or leave residue, making them unsuitable for various applications.
Innovation Solution
A docking and locking mechanism utilizing an eccentric mechanism with a handle that rotates between docked and undocked positions, incorporating a linkage assembly and docking lever, which engages and disengages with a docking pin through an eccentric path, allowing easy and reliable object securing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hook and loop fasteners are used to keep an object in position, then the object can be easily attached and detached, but they are not strong enough for large or heavy objects and need frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The docking mechanism is divided into separate components: a docking structure with receptacles, docking members with protrusions, and a locking mechanism with latches. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide both ease of operation and reliable holding strength for heavy objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions from a static fastening system to a dynamic one with movable docking members and latches that can engage and disengage. The latches are configured to move between locked and unlocked positions, providing controlled dynamics that enable easy attachment and detachment while maintaining strong holding force when locked.
2Reliability
If tape is used to keep an object in place, then it provides a permanent solution, but it leaves residue on the object when removed
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful adhesive properties of tape are completely extracted from the system. Instead of using adhesive-based fastening, the invention employs mechanical interlocking through docking members with protrusions that fit into receptacles, and latches that physically secure the connection, eliminating any residue-related problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking members and receptacles act as intermediary mechanical elements between the object and the docking structure. These intermediaries provide a clean, residue-free connection through precise mechanical fitment, replacing the adhesive intermediary used in tape-based solutions.
3Reliability
If rope or tie down straps are used to tie objects in position, then they can secure large objects, but personnel must continuously retrieve and tie knots which takes too much time
Solution Approach 1:
The docking mechanism is designed to be self-securing through spring-loaded latches that automatically engage when docking members are inserted into receptacles. The latches self-adjust and self-lock without requiring personnel to tie knots or perform manual securing actions, dramatically reducing the time and effort required.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual knot-tying mechanical system is replaced with an automated latch mechanism that uses spring force and geometric constraints to automatically secure the docking members. This mechanical substitution eliminates the time-consuming human actions of tying and untying knots while maintaining reliable securing capability.
4Reliability
If brakes are activated on wheels of a cart, then they prevent the cart from rolling away, but personnel must bend down or use feet to activate them which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The docking mechanism performs the braking action preliminarily by providing a fixed docking structure that physically restrains the cart before any movement can occur. The latches are pre-positioned to engage with docking members, creating an initial mechanical constraint that prevents rolling away without requiring active brake activation by personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a positioning system and a braking system. By providing a fixed external docking structure with latches, it eliminates the need for separate wheel brakes, combining the functions of securing and preventing unwanted movement into a single universal system that is more convenient to operate.
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 mechanism provides a convenient, efficient, and reliable way to securely dock and lock objects in place, suitable for various objects and environments, with minimal maintenance and no residue, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an eccentric mechanism including an axle coupled to the handle and configured to rotate about an axis of rotation upon actuation of the handle, a sheave coupled to the axle and configured to rotate about the axis of rotation with the axle, and a rod comprising a first end coupled to the sheave off-center from the axis of rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A docking and locking mechanism includes a handle actuatable between a docked position and an undocked position and an eccentric mechanism coupled to the handle, the eccentric mechanism having a rod that rotates in an eccentric path upon actuation by the handle. The docking and locking mechanism also includes a linkage assembly with a plurality of sleeves and linkage shafts coupling the rod of the eccentric mechanism to a docking lever assembly having a docking lever to enable actuation of the docking lever.