Elastic Bushing Locking Mechanism for Commercial Vehicle Parking Brakes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for manually operable valves in commercial vehicles, particularly parking brakes, have a long design in the actuation direction due to the necessary guidance of locking elements, and there is a need to optimize local contact pressure between functional surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a bushing that includes elastically deformable elements, eliminating the need for a guide and allowing for a shorter axial design, enhanced contact pressure, and reduced radial dimensions, featuring projections and depressions for interaction with locking profiles and a self-retaining mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking elements are guided in conventional locking devices, then the locking function is reliable, but the design length in the actuation direction becomes long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the guidance function from the locking device structure by eliminating the guide component entirely. The locking member is designed to interact directly with the locking profile through elastic deformation, removing the need for separate guidance mechanisms and thereby shortening the actuation direction length while maintaining locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the locking member by making it elastically deformable. This allows the locking member to adapt its shape during engagement with the locking profile, providing both guidance and locking functions through the elastic deformation parameter, thus eliminating the need for separate guidance structures.
2Ease of manufacture
If simple plastics are used for cost-saving, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but contact pressure between functional surfaces is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the locking member by introducing elastic deformability. This allows simple plastic materials to generate sufficient contact pressure through elastic deformation when engaged with the locking profile, maintaining functional performance while using cost-effective materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elastic deformation to the locking member, allowing it to adapt and optimize contact pressure during operation. This dynamic characteristic enables simple plastics to achieve adequate contact pressure through deformation rather than requiring high-strength rigid materials.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the locking member is guided by the locking and releasing sleeve, then the locking position is stable, but the radial dimensions of the locking device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the guidance function from the locking and releasing sleeve by designing the locking member to be self-guiding through its elastic deformation characteristics. This removes the radial space required for guiding structures in the sleeve, reducing overall radial dimensions while maintaining locking position stability through elastic engagement.
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 results in a shorter actuation length, improved contact pressure, and cost-effective design, preventing unintentional actuation and ensuring secure locking and release functions.
Implementation Method 1
the locking member is formed by a bushing which is fixed relative to the housing and comprises at least one elastically deformable element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The mechanism (10) has a slider (16) that moves into a housing (14) and works on valve elements. The slider is operated by an operating knob (12), in a lockable final position (18). A movable blocking and releasing sleeve (22) is connected to the knob, where the knob is connected with the slider. A locking element (24) works with respect to blocking profiles (26, 28) that are provided at the slider. The locking element has a bushing (30) that is fixed with respect to the housing and comprises elastically deformable elements (32, 34).