Portable Electronic Lock with Dual Latch Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable electronic locks lack flexibility and ease of use, particularly in securing various objects with different orientations and types of securing parts, limiting their application possibilities.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic lock with an electromechanical locking device featuring a cam and two latches, controlled by an electric motor and circuit, allowing for selective locking and unlocking of securing parts in various orientations and configurations, enabling flexible use with different securing parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a portable electronic lock uses a simple mechanical locking mechanism, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability and ease of operation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into two independent latches (first latch and second latch) that can operate independently. Each latch can be locked or unlocked separately, allowing the lock to adapt to different securing part configurations. This segmentation enables the lock to handle various scenarios such as locking one securing part while leaving another free, or locking both simultaneously, thereby improving adaptability without requiring a completely different mechanism for each case.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism is designed to be rotatable through multiple positions (first, second, third, and fourth rotational positions), dynamically changing the state of the latches. By rotating the cam to different positions, the system can selectively lock or unlock different latches, providing dynamic adaptability to various operating conditions. This dynamic mechanism allows a single device to perform multiple locking configurations.
2Ease of operation
If a portable electronic lock uses a cam mechanism with multiple rotational positions to control latches selectively, then the ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control of two independent latches is merged into a single cam mechanism. By integrating both latch control functions into one cam, the system reduces the number of separate control elements needed. The cam's rotational positions simultaneously or selectively actuate the first and second latches, combining multiple control functions into a unified mechanism that is easier to operate than separate controls for each latch.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism serves multiple functions: it can lock the first latch while unlocking the second, lock both latches simultaneously, or unlock both latches. This multi-functionality is achieved through the cam's different rotational positions, allowing a single component to handle various locking scenarios, thereby improving ease of operation without requiring multiple specialized mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lock body has only one introduction opening for securing parts, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability for different securing configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single introduction opening is segmented into two separate introduction openings (first introduction opening and second introduction opening). This segmentation allows different securing parts to be introduced independently into each opening, enabling the lock to accommodate various configurations such as different types of securing parts, different orientations, or different lengths. Each opening is paired with its own latch, providing independent control and enhancing adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a U hoop with limbs of different lengths is used, then the adaptability for securing various objects is improved, but the ease of operation becomes more difficult due to asymmetric insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The lock body is designed with asymmetric features to match the asymmetric U hoop. The first and second introduction openings are positioned and dimensioned to accommodate limbs of different lengths. The first latch and second latch are independently controllable, allowing the longer limb to be locked while the shorter limb remains free, or both to be locked simultaneously. This asymmetric design tailored to the U hoop's geometry makes insertion and operation easier despite the asymmetry.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism provides dynamic control over the latches, allowing the system to adapt its locking state during operation. When a U hoop with asymmetric limbs is inserted, the cam can be rotated to positions that lock the appropriate latch for each limb's length, facilitating smooth operation. The dynamic adjustment of latch states accommodates the asymmetric insertion process.
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 provides a flexible and comfortable locking system that can securely lock and release securing parts in any desired orientation, accommodating various types and configurations, enhancing usability across multiple applications.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor for driving the cam
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic lock comprises a lock body and at least one securing part, in particular a U hoop or a bolt, that can be selectively locked to the lock body or released from the lock body. The lock body further comprises a first introduction opening and a second introduction opening for introducing a respective section of the at least one securing part into the lock body; an electromechanical locking device that has a first latch and a second latch, a cam rotatable about an axis of rotation and an electric motor for driving the cam; and a control circuit. The first latch can be displaced by means of the cam from an unlocked position into a locked position in which the first latch engages into the first introduction opening in order to lock the at least one securing part in the first introduction opening, and the second latch can be displaced by means of the cam from an unlocked position into a locked position in which the second latch engages into the second introduction opening in order to lock the at least one securing part in the second introduction opening. The control circuit is configured to control the electric motor to drive the cam.