Folding Lock with Sloped Bolt for Automatic Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint locks with combination locking mechanisms are cumbersome to operate, requiring users to set the locking secret and then manually unlock the mechanism before removing the locking bar, which can lead to unintentional release and increased risk of damage.
Innovation Solution
The joint lock incorporates a bolt with a slope that automatically moves from the locking to the release position when the locking bar is inserted or removed, allowing users to set the locking secret without additional actuation steps, ensuring controlled and secure operation by pre-tensioning the bolt and utilizing bevels to facilitate this movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a combination locking mechanism with manual unlocking is used, then the locking secret can be set, but the operation becomes cumbersome requiring additional manual unlocking steps
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt is pre-tensioned in the locking position before the locking bar is inserted. This preliminary action ensures that when the locking bar is removed, the bolt automatically moves to the release position through the slope interaction, eliminating the need for manual unlocking steps while maintaining secure locking when the combination is set.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism performs the unlocking action automatically through the interaction between the slope on the locking bar and the slope on the bolt. When the locking bar is removed, the pre-tensioned bolt self-moves to the release position without requiring external manual operation, making the system self-servicing.
2Reliability
If the bolt is pre-tensioned in the locking position, then secure locking is ensured, but the locking bar may be unintentionally released causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The slope on the locking bar acts as an intermediary element that controls the bolt's movement. When the locking bar is present, it engages with the bolt's slope to maintain the locked position. Only when the locking bar is intentionally removed does the bolt move to the release position, preventing unintentional release while maintaining secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-tensioning of the bolt in the locking position creates a preliminary counteracting force that prevents unintentional release. The slope interaction ensures that this pre-tension can only be overcome by the intentional removal of the locking bar, not by accidental forces during insertion or removal operations.
3Ease of operation
If the bolt is moved to release position during insertion/removal, then ease of operation is improved, but additional actuation steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt automatically moves to the release position through the mechanical interaction between its slope and the locking bar's slope during insertion or removal. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional manual actuation steps, maintaining ease of operation without increasing device complexity.
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
This design simplifies the handling of the joint lock, allowing users to insert or remove the locking bar with both hands while setting the combination, preventing unintentional release and ensuring secure locking and unlocking, thus enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a bolt (25) which is prestressed in the direction of a locking position
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A hinged lock comprises a lock body housing a combination locking mechanism and a hinged bar. The combination locking mechanism has several code rings rotatable about a pivot axis and a bolt biased along the pivot axis towards a locking position. The lock body has an insertion opening through which a locking bar of the hinged bar can be inserted into the lock body along an insertion direction perpendicular to the pivot axis of the code rings. The locking bar inserted into the lock body is locked to the lock body when the bolt is in the locked position.The bolt and/or the locking bar of the hinge bar bracket has at least one inclined surface designed to cause the pre-tensioned bolt to be forced back from the locking position into a release position when the locking bar is removed from the insertion opening of the lock body and/or when the locking bar is inserted into the insertion opening of the lock body.