Friction Locking Mechanism to Eliminate Free Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking apparatuses face challenges in preventing relative movement between different members while maintaining a locking state without complex structures, and they often suffer from free play and inefficient locking performance.
Innovation Solution
A locking apparatus comprising a first body part, a second body part, a locking unit that generates frictional force for locking, and an unlocking unit that selectively releases the locking state by increasing the interval between the body parts, allowing for improved locking performance by preventing movement through friction and facilitating easy release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connection members are coupled to fix member locations or magnets are used to prevent relative movement, then locking function is achieved, but structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit integrates multiple locking components into a single unified structure that can prevent relative movement between members. The locking unit includes a locking protrusion and locking groove that work together as an integrated mechanism, eliminating the need for separate connection members and reducing structural complexity while maintaining reliable locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can lock members at different positions along the movement path, provide friction-based locking through the friction member, and enable easy unlocking through the unlocking unit. This multi-functional design replaces multiple specialized components with a single versatile locking mechanism.
2Reliability
If locking parts are separately provided for each member, then locking function is achieved, but structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit combines what would traditionally be separate locking parts on each member into a single integrated component. The locking protrusion on one member engages with the locking groove on the other member through a unified coupling structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate locking parts and simplifying the overall coupling architecture.
3Reliability
If locking unit prevents movement between members, then locking performance is improved, but free play remains in the locking state
Solution Approach 1:
The friction member acts as an intermediary element between the locking protrusion and locking groove. It provides continuous friction-based contact that eliminates free play by maintaining constant resistive force against any potential movement, while still allowing the primary locking mechanism to function. This intermediary friction contact ensures stable locking without gaps or play.
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 apparatus effectively prevents relative movement between members through frictional force and enhances locking performance by allowing selective release, ensuring secure locking and efficient operation regardless of the members' positions.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member connected to the first body part, having elastic resilience, and pushing the contact part in a direction in which the interval between the first body part and the second body part decreases
Implementation Method 2
improve the locking performance by preventing a relative movement of a first body part and a second body part by a frictional force generated by a locking unit stuck therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a locking apparatus, and more particularly, to a locking apparatus with improved locking performance as a locking unit is stuck between different members capable of moving relative to each other and in which locking is released as an unlocking unit pushes the locking unit.