Foldable Lock Rod Adaptation via Segmented Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable locks with rigid lock rods struggle to effectively lock objects with bends, requiring inconvenient repositioning and have inadequate anti-prizing effects due to their U-lock structure.
Innovation Solution
A foldable lock design featuring a lock head with flexible and elastic lock rods, guided by semi-circular slots and springs, allowing for better curvature adaptation and enhanced locking mechanism with steel balls and sliding blocks for improved anti-theft security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rigid lock rods are used in conventional foldable locks, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the lock rods can only unfold outward along a straight line and cannot accommodate bends in objects
Solution Approach 1:
The lock rod is divided into multiple segments that can pivot relative to each other around a central axis. Each segment can rotate independently, allowing the lock rod to bend and adapt to objects with curved shapes while maintaining structural integrity through the segmented design.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock rod transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure. The segments are connected through pivoting mechanisms that allow the lock rod to change its configuration from straight to bent, adapting to different locking scenarios and object shapes.
2Reliability
If U-lock structure is used for the lock head, then the structure is simple, but the anti-prizing effect is not perfect
Solution Approach 1:
The lock head combines multiple materials with different properties: a hard outer shell for structural strength and resistance to prizing, a flexible seal member for sealing and additional security, and a locking mechanism with springs and locking balls. This composite structure enhances anti-prizing capability while maintaining reasonable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock head incorporates a spherical cavity and spherical locking balls, utilizing spherical geometry to create a more secure locking mechanism. The spherical shape allows for multi-directional locking and makes it more difficult to apply leverage for prizing compared to traditional linear locking mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible and elastic lock rods are used, then the lock rods can accommodate bends in objects, but the structure becomes more complex with pivoting elements and guide rails
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-guiding through the spherical cavity and guide rails that automatically direct the locking balls into the correct positions. The springs provide automatic engagement force, and the pivoting segments naturally follow the curved path defined by the spherical geometry, reducing the need for user intervention and making the operation intuitive despite the complex internal structure.
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 design enhances locking convenience and security by accommodating bends in objects and improving the anti-theft effect through flexible lock rods and a robust locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a spring, the spring being provided in a slot of the sliding block and pushing the sliding block along a guide rail
Implementation Method 2
two steel balls, the two steel balls being forced to move by the lower sliding base, sliding in the arc-shaped slots, the right semi-circular slot, the left semi-circular slot and the through-hole of the lock bolt base
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a foldable lock. The foldable lock is constituted by a lock head which is pivoted with a foldable lock rod set. Two steel balls are used by the lock head to control unlocking and locking operations, thereby improving difficulty in prizing. The foldable lock rod set is composed of plural flexible lock rods, plural pivoting sheaths, plural protective covers and plural bolts, allowing the foldable lock to have a better circuity when twining an object. By the abovementioned structures, the foldable lock can increase convenience in the locking operation and enhance the anti-theft effect.