Flush Slider Lock Bearing Surface Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locks require precise alignment of guide means between the keeper and the sole, which complicates the design and alignment process, particularly in transitioning between extended and retracted positions.
Innovation Solution
A lock design where the slider's bearing surface extends flush with the sole's fixing base, with perforations defining the extended and retracted positions, allowing precise locking through a retractable finger, and incorporating guide means that maintain the bearing surface in the same plane during translation, enhancing manufacturing ease and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the slider base is raised relative to the fixing base of the sole, then locking precision is improved, but alignment complexity between guide means increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing surface is segmented into multiple zones: a first bearing surface integrated with guide means extending flush with the fixing base, and a second bearing surface delimited by a recess relative to the guide means. This segmentation allows the slider to maintain precise positioning through the recess structure while the flush-extending guide means eliminate alignment complexity between the slider and sole.
2Reliability
If guide means extend beyond the fixing base, then bearing surface coverage is improved, but vulnerability to foreign body insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recess structure acts as a protective enclosure, delimiting the second bearing surface and creating a closed assembly that prevents foreign bodies from being inserted between the slider and sole, while still providing adequate bearing surface coverage for reliable operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the bearing surface is split into multiple zones, then protection against foreign body insertion is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first bearing surface is merged with the guide means as an integrated structure extending flush with the fixing base, while the second bearing surface is delimited by the recess. This merging approach allows the bearing surface to be formed as part of the molding or machining process rather than requiring separate assembly operations, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity despite the split-zone design.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A lock comprising a base plate (1) and a slide (3), guided in translation relative to each other by guiding means (5, 7, 13, 15) between an extended and a retracted position of the slide relative to the base plate, the slide being provided with a locking means (17) to prevent translation in either position. According to the invention, the slide (3) comprises a bearing surface (23, 25, 27) that extends flush with a mounting base (29) of the base plate (1) in both the retracted and extended positions. The bearing surface is divided into a first bearing surface (23, 25) integrated into the guiding means (5, 7) of the slide, which extend flush with the mounting base (29) of the base plate (1), and a second bearing surface (27) delimited by a recess (31) relative to said guiding means (5, 7).