Folding Lock Cover Stabilizes Hinged Bar Shackle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Joint locks for two-wheelers face issues with the locking rod being inserted or removed in a defined orientation, leading to instability and noise during transport due to vibrations, as the locking rod can deflect within the insertion opening, causing rattling.
Innovation Solution
A joint lock design featuring a lid with holding sections that engage over the upper and underside of the locking rod, providing guidance and stabilization to maintain alignment and reduce movement play, thus preventing deflection and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking bar is inserted into the lock body through the lateral insertion opening, then the locking function is achieved, but the locking bar can deflect within the insertion opening causing instability and noise during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The cover acts as an intermediary element between the locking bar and the external environment. It includes guidance sections that actively guide and stabilize the locking bar during insertion and transport, preventing deflection and reducing noise without interfering with the locking function
Solution Approach 2:
The solution addresses the one-dimensional insertion problem by adding dimensional constraints through the cover's guidance sections. These sections provide lateral and rotational guidance, converting the uncontrolled insertion movement into a precisely controlled multi-dimensional positioning process
2Ease of operation
If the locking bar is frequently inserted and removed from the insertion opening, then the locking mechanism remains functional, but the operation becomes inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cover's guidance sections perform preliminary alignment and positioning actions before the locking bar actually enters the lock body. This preliminary guidance reduces the effort and time required for each insertion operation, making frequent use more convenient
3Adaptability or versatility
If the locking bar is allowed to move freely within the insertion opening, then insertion is easier, but manufacturing tolerances and user errors lead to misalignment and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance sections modify the geometric parameters of the insertion path by providing physical constraints. These constraints actively compensate for manufacturing tolerances and user errors by redirecting the locking bar into the correct alignment position, ensuring stable positioning despite variations
Data Source
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Figure 3a
AI summary
A hinged lock comprises a lock body, which has a longitudinal axis and houses a locking mechanism, and a hinged bar shackle, which has several pivotably connected hinged bars and a locking bar. The lock body has a lateral insertion opening through which the locking bar of the hinged bar shackle can be inserted into the lock body along a predetermined insertion direction oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the lock body, wherein the locking bar inserted into the lock body can be selectively locked to the lock body by means of the locking mechanism. The lock body further comprises an axial housing opening, wherein a cover at least partially closes the housing opening and extends along an underside of the locking bar inserted into the lock body. The cover has at least one retaining section that engages an upper side of the locking bar.