File Mechanism Locking Elements Holding Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing file mechanisms lack an increased holding force between alignment pins and folding brackets, leading to unintentional opening and requiring complex manual operations for opening and closing, which can result in errors and damage.
Innovation Solution
A file mechanism with a control mechanism that enhances the holding force by using interlocking locking elements and a dual-spring system, allowing for single-action locking and unlocking of the folding bracket, and includes a retaining element to prevent excessive pivoting, ensuring secure document insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking elements with interlocking teeth are added to increase holding force, then the reliability of the closed state is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements are integrated into the folding legs and alignment pins themselves, merging the locking function with the existing structural components. This avoids adding separate locking mechanisms while still providing the interlocking teeth functionality to increase holding force between the folding bracket and the alignment pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are designed to dynamically engage and disengage based on the state of the folding bracket. In the closed position, the interlocking teeth provide maximum holding force. When the folding bracket is opened, the locking elements automatically disengage, allowing the mechanism to transition between states without manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If manual pressing of folding legs is required to release locking elements, then the ease of operation deteriorates, but the device complexity remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is designed to automatically perform the function of releasing the locking elements. When the folding bracket is opened, the control mechanism self-activates to disengage the interlocking teeth on the locking elements, eliminating the need for manual pressing of the folding legs by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism is positioned and configured to preliminarily prepare the locking elements for release before the folding bracket fully opens. As the folding bracket begins to open, the control mechanism starts to move the locking elements into their disengaged position, ensuring smooth transition without requiring additional manual action from the user.
3Manufacturing precision
If conical guide pins are used for centering, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the closing force is not increased
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements with interlocking teeth are combined with the conical guide pins, merging the centering function with the force transmission function. The interlocking teeth not only provide centering guidance like the conical pins but also actively increase the closing force through their interlocking engagement between the folding legs and alignment pins.
4Reliability
If the actuating lever blocks access to the folding bracket in open position, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating lever is designed to dynamically change position based on the state of the folding bracket. When the folding bracket is open, the actuating lever automatically moves to a position that allows document insertion and removal. When the folding bracket is closed, the actuating lever moves to block access, preventing unintentional opening. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between security and ease of operation.
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 mechanism provides a secure closed state with increased holding force, simplifies the opening and closing process, and prevents accidental opening, ensuring reliable operation and document management.
Implementation Method 1
which acts on a control member (38) with a first spring element (30) in an opening direction
Implementation Method 2
with a second spring element (30) in a closing direction
Implementation Method 3
locking elements (32', 32'', 34', 34'') are arranged on free ends of the alignment pins (12', 12'') and folding legs (18, 18'') which are interlocked and give the file mechanism high closing forces in the closed state due to a form fit
Implementation Method 4
a control mechanism (36) is provided, which is designed in such a way that during the closing process in a first phase it releases the pivoting path of the folding bracket (18) with a limited movement path in the closing direction of the locking elements (32, 34) until the folding bar with its at least one locking element has reached the intermediate position
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2e
Figure 3a~4h
AI summary
The invention relates to a file mechanism, comprising locking elements (32', 32''; 34', 34'') on the free ends of at least one aligning pin (12', 12'') and of transfer limbs (18', 18'') which are supplementary in pairs to said aligning pin, wherein the locking elements are complementary to each other and are locked together in the closing position against pivoting of the transfer hoop (18). At the start of an opening process, the transfer hoop (18) with its transfer limbs (18', 18'') can be moved on a movement path relative to the aligning pins (12', 12'') into an intermediate position with exposed locking elements in order to trigger an unlocking process. The present invention further relates to a method for fastening a file mechanism to a file cover or a file back by means of clip elements (111) and to a method for producing a file mechanism.