Foldable Fence Locking Mechanism for Easy Snap-Fit Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable fences are inconvenient to disconnect due to high friction forces required for snap-fit connections, making them difficult to store and use.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism with a shell, locking cover, and locking column, utilizing an elastic member to facilitate easy disconnection and folding by allowing the locking column to protrude or retract from a pressing hole, enabling the fixing and movable rods to be moved without separate disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If snap-fit connection is used to assemble foldable fence, then the fence structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the friction force required for connection makes disconnection inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking column is designed to dynamically change position between locked and unlocked states. In the locked state, it protrudes to block the pressing hole; in the unlocked state, it retracts to allow disconnection. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by providing both secure connection during use and easy disconnection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking column acts as an intermediary element between the fixing member and the pressing hole. It mediates the connection state by protruding to prevent disconnection during use and retracting to enable disconnection during storage, thus resolving the friction-induced disconnection difficulty while maintaining simple snap-fit assembly.
2Reliability
If locking column protrudes to prevent accidental contact, then stability during use is improved, but the structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking column is elastically connected to the fixing member, enabling it to automatically protrude into the pressing hole to lock the fence during use and automatically retract when force is applied for disconnection. This self-service mechanism improves stability without requiring complex external locking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member replaces complex mechanical locking systems with a simple elastic force mechanism. The elastic force automatically positions the locking column to provide stability during use, eliminating the need for additional locks, bolts, or complex engagement mechanisms.
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 allows for easy folding and storage of the fence by pressing the locking column, enhancing user convenience and preventing accidental contact, ensuring stability during use.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member is further arranged between the locking column and the fixing member. The locking column can be placed in a locked position and an unlocked position. When the locking column is placed in the locked position, the elastic member is in a naturally extended state to enable the locking column to protrude out of the first pressing hole from the first cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A locking mechanism and a foldable fence are provided. When the locking column is placed in the locked position, the elastic member is in a naturally extended state to enable the locking column to protrude out of the first pressing hole from the first cavity, the first covering end covers the first pressing hole, and the fixing member remains fixed relative to the first cavity. When the locking column is placed in the unlocked position, the first covering end is separated from the first pressing hole, the elastic member is compressed by force, the locking column retracts from the first pressing hole into the first cavity, and the fixing member can be moved out of the first cavity. In the foldable fence, the first fixing rod is the fixing member, and the first movable rod is the movable member. The entire fence is easily folded and convenient for use.