Elastic Latching Faceplate for Locks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door frame locks with screw fixation lack adequate burglary resistance, especially when the transverse partition is made of low mechanical strength synthetic materials, and the screw fixing method is cumbersome and prone to weakening during reassembly.
Innovation Solution
A screwless faceplate with elastic latching flanges and a planar rear support surface, designed to snap-fit against the housing walls, providing enhanced resistance to tearing forces and allowing for rapid assembly and disassembly without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screw fixing is used to attach the lock to the transverse partition, then the lock can be securely fixed, but the resistance to tearing forces is insufficient especially when the partition is made of low mechanical strength synthetic materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-based mechanical fixing system with an elastic latching mechanism. The elastic latching flanges engage with the housing walls through elastic deformation, creating a screwless attachment system that eliminates the need for threaded holes and multiple screws while providing superior resistance to tearing forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the attachment system by using elastic materials and elastic deformation instead of rigid screw threads. The elastic latching flanges utilize elasticity to create a strong, reversible connection that adapts to the housing walls, providing both high strength and ease of installation.
2Strength
If multiple fixing points per screw are used to compensate for low mechanical strength, then the resistance to tearing improves, but the installation operation becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming process of drilling multiple threaded holes and installing multiple screws with a single elastic latching operation. The elastic latching flanges are simply pressed into the housing, where they automatically engage with the walls, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining or improving tearing resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic latching mechanism is self-installing and self-adjusting. When the elastic latching flanges are pressed into the housing, they automatically deform and engage with the housing walls without requiring precise alignment or multiple adjustment steps, making the installation process both rapid and foolproof.
3Temperature
If the transverse partition is made of synthetic material with thermal insulation qualities, then thermal insulation is improved, but the mechanical strength and resistance to tearing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid screw-fixing system with an elastic latching system that is better suited for soft, thermally insulating materials. The elastic flanges distribute the attachment forces over a larger area and rely on elastic deformation rather than thread engagement, making them ideal for synthetic materials that would be damaged or stripped by traditional screw fixing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses elastic materials for the latching flanges that can be tailored to provide both the necessary mechanical strength and thermal insulation properties. The elastic material allows the flanges to deform and engage with the housing walls while maintaining thermal insulation, effectively combining the benefits of both rigid strength and thermal protection.
4Ease of manufacture
If the internal partition is made thin to reduce material usage, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the resistance to tearing is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the screw-based system that requires thick, strong partitions with an elastic latching system that can effectively attach to thin partitions. The elastic flanges engage with the partition walls through surface contact and elastic deformation, distributing forces evenly and providing strong attachment even to thin-walled structures that would be insufficient for screw fixation.
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 ensures secure, rapid, and tool-free mounting of the lock, enhancing burglary resistance and maintaining thermal insulation without creating a thermal bridge, while simplifying the installation process and maintaining the lock's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
two elastic latching flanges, opposite, integral with the headrest body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The forend (1) has an elongated parallelepiped forend body (10) equipped with a rear support surface (11), and two elastic locking wings (12) integrated to the body. The wings are arranged in a symmetric manner with respect to a median plane (P) perpendicular to the rear support surface. Each wing is provided with a front support edge (13) parallel to the rear support surface. The body is provided with a transversal slot between the wings and along the plane. The slot receives a bolt (21) of a lock (2). The wings are gradually spaced from the body towards the front support edge. An independent claim is also included for an opening frame comprising a quick mounting lock.