Folding Joint Self-Locking Structure Against Accidental Loosening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding joints on bicycles are unsafe as they can unintentionally loosen if the handle is turned from the locked position, failing to meet safety standards in certain regions.
Innovation Solution
A folding joint design incorporating a swing back element, locking rod, and reset elastic member, such as a torsion spring, ensures the locking rod remains engaged with a slightly concave supporting part, requiring a significant handle rotation to disengage, and a self-locking mechanism for added security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handle is turned from the locked position, then the folding joint can be unfolded, but the folding joint may unintentionally loosen and pose safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing a locking mechanism where the locking block and locking groove engage before the handle can be turned. The locking block is positioned to protrude into the locking groove, creating a mechanical interlock that prevents unintended rotation. This pre-established lock counteracts any accidental handle movement before it can cause loosening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes curvature in the form of an arc-shaped limiting surface on the locking block and a corresponding arc-shaped limiting groove. This curved geometry ensures that the locking components can only engage at specific angular positions, preventing partial or accidental engagement. The arc-shaped design provides a mechanical stop that maintains reliable locking while allowing deliberate unlocking through full handle rotation.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental loosening, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking function with the existing handle and connecting plate structures. The locking block is integrated into the connecting plate, and the locking groove is formed on the handle itself. By combining these locking elements with the existing components rather than adding separate locking mechanisms, the patent achieves enhanced safety while minimizing increases in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the natural motion of folding and unfolding the bicycle. As the connecting plate moves relative to the handle during normal operation, the locking block automatically engages with the locking groove. This self-service locking eliminates the need for additional actuators, springs, or complex control systems, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable locking.
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
Enhances safety by preventing accidental unfolding even if the handle is turned at an angle, maintaining the locked state until a deliberate, substantial handle movement is made, thus meeting safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
A folding joint design incorporating a swing back element, locking rod, and reset elastic member, such as a torsion spring
Data Source
AI summary
A folding joint, comprising a first joint, a second joint, a handle, a locking rod, a swing back element, a connecting rod, a sliding rod and a reset elastic member, one side of the first joint (10) is hingedly connected to one side of the second joint, and the handle is hingedly connected to other side of the first joint, the other side is provided with a supporting part, and is provided with a sliding groove, one end of the swing back element is hingedly connected to the other side of the first joint, the locking rod is arranged at other end of the swing back element, the sliding rod is arranged in the sliding groove, the connecting rod is arranged between the locking rod and the sliding rod, one end of connecting rod is fixedly connected with the locking rod, other end is fixedly connected with the sliding rod.