Electromagnetic Locking Device for Slide Rails Without Manual Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for slide rail assemblies, such as those in U.S. Pat. No. 8,328,299 B2 and US Published Patent Application No. 2019/0063113 A1, require mechanical structures for manual unlocking during power outages or electronic component failures, which is inconvenient and not always desired.
Innovation Solution
A smart locking device with a control module using electromagnets to transition between locking and unlocking states based on signals from a communication device, allowing the second object to be opened by pushing from a retracted position without the need for a manual unlocking mechanism, even in the absence of power or electronic component functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual release member is provided for manual unlocking during power outages or electronic component failures, then the locking mechanism can be manually unlocked, but the device complexity increases and the structure becomes more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the manual release member and other mechanical unlocking structures from the locking mechanism. The unlocking function is achieved purely through electromagnetic control, extracting the unnecessary mechanical components while maintaining the essential locking and unlocking functionality through the electromagnet and control module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical manual release mechanism with an electromagnetic control system. The electromagnet actuates the locking element through electromagnetic force, and the control module manages the locking and unlocking states through electronic signals, substituting mechanical operation with electromagnetic control to simplify the overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If an electronic lock with motor and lever arm is used for locking and unlocking, then the locking function is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the motor-driven lever arm mechanism with a direct electromagnetic actuation system. The electromagnet directly moves the locking element without requiring a motor, lever arm, or complex mechanical transmission components, thereby achieving automatic locking and unlocking while significantly reducing mechanical structure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the motor, lever arm, and associated mechanical components from the locking mechanism. Only the essential electromagnet and control module remain, eliminating unnecessary mechanical parts while preserving the core locking and unlocking functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a lanyard or manual release mechanism is provided for emergency unlocking, then manual unlocking is possible, but the device complexity increases and the structure becomes more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the lanyard and manual release mechanism from the locking system. Manual unlocking capability is achieved through the control module, which can receive unlock signals from various sources including manual input devices, eliminating the need for physical lanyards or release mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module serves multiple functions: it controls the electromagnet for locking and unlocking, processes unlock signals from various sources (manual input, electronic signals), and manages the overall locking system operation. This multi-functional approach provides versatility without requiring separate manual release components.
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
Enables secure locking and unlocking of slide rail assemblies without additional manual mechanisms, ensuring functionality during power outages or electronic failures, by using electromagnets to control the locking state based on communication device signals.
Implementation Method 1
The control module includes a first electromagnet and a second electromagnet
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device is adapted for a first object and a second object that are movable with respect to each other. The locking device includes a first element and a second element. The first element can be in a locking state or an unlocking state. The second element drives the first element and thereby moves the first element from the locking state to the unlocking state in response to the second object being displaced with respect to the first object from a retracted position to a predetermined position in an opening direction.