Electric Lock Rod Synchronization via Worm Wheel
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electric locking devices for openable/closable members, such as those used in glove boxes, have complex constructions due to the need for multiple parts, including links and actuators, which increases the number of components involved.
Innovation Solution
An electric locking device with a pair of rods that engage and disengage with locking portions, utilizing a worm wheel and motor-driven actuator to simplify the construction by reducing the number of parts, where the rods are supported pivotally on the worm wheel and move in synchronized opposite directions to lock and unlock the openable/closable member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a link is added to connect the pair of locking members in the existing locking device, then the locking members can be coordinated to work together, but the number of parts increases and the construction becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coordination function previously requiring a separate link into the actuator itself. The actuator's case is designed to directly connect and coordinate the pair of locking members through integrated structural features, eliminating the need for an additional link component while maintaining the coordination reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only drives the locking members but also serves as the coordination mechanism between them. The case of the actuator incorporates structural features that directly engage and coordinate both locking members, making the actuator a multi-functional component that replaces both the driving mechanism and the coordination link.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used in the locking device, then each component can be optimized independently, but the number of parts increases and assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into fewer components. The actuator's case integrates the coordination mechanism for both locking members, reducing the total part count from four components (actuator, link, and two locking members) to three components (actuator and two locking members), thereby simplifying assembly while maintaining independent optimization capabilities.
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
This design simplifies the construction of the electric locking device by reducing the number of parts and improves workability during assembly, while effectively locking and unlocking the openable/closable member, and suppresses noise leakage and bad closing feel.
Implementation Method 1
a motor (33) disposed within the case, a worm (35) rotated by the motor
Implementation Method 2
a worm wheel (60) supported rotatably on the case and interlocked with the worm (35) for rotation
Implementation Method 3
the worm wheel has a rotating portion (63) projecting outwards of the case from the opening portion (55) of the case
Implementation Method 4
a biasing means (15) for biasing the pair of rods (20, 21) in a direction in which the pair of rods are brought into engagement with the locking portions (3, 3)
Data Source
AI summary
An electric locking device for an operable/closable member attached to an opening portion, includes a biasing member which biases a pair of rods in a direction in which the rods are brought into engagement with a pair of locking portions, an actuator for sliding the rods to disengage from the locking portions, the actuator having a case having an opening portion, a motor disposed within the case, a worm rotated by the motor and a worm wheel supported rotatably on the case and interlocked with the worm for rotation. The worm wheel has a rotating portion projecting outwards of the case from the opening portion, and proximal end portions of the rods are assembled individually to the rotating portion so as to move in an associated fashion, causing the rods to slide in a synchronized fashion in opposite directions to each other.