Platform Gap Filler Lock Mechanism With Adjustable Protrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional platform gap fillers have complex electric control systems, increasing manufacturing costs and maintenance difficulties, and require unique components for curved track installations, leading to potential errors and increased prices.
Innovation Solution
A simplified mechanical lock mechanism with a rack-and-pinion system and adjustable roller positions allows for controlled protrusion of the gap filler plate, enabling slow start, gradual speed increase, and slow return to the fully protruded state without electric power, and allows for easy adjustment of protrusion distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electromagnetic lock mechanism is used to prevent displacement of the gap filler plate, then the locking function is achieved, but electric power is required and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic lock mechanism with a purely mechanical lock mechanism that uses a lock lever, lock bump, and elastic element. The mechanical system uses the reaction force from passengers treading on the gap filler plate to automatically engage the lock, eliminating the need for electric power while maintaining reliable locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the operational state of the gap filler plate. When the plate protrudes during passenger boarding/alighting, the reaction force automatically triggers the lock engagement without requiring external power or control systems.
2Speed
If an electromagnetic brake mechanism is used to control the gap filler plate movement, then the braking function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic brake mechanism with a mechanical brake that uses a brake lever and brake bump. The brake is engaged automatically by the reaction force when the gap filler plate protrudes, providing speed control without the complexity of electromagnetic components and associated control systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If unique components are designed for curved track installations, then the protrusion amount can be adjusted for each position, but the number of unique components increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adjustable mechanism that allows the protrusion amount to be dynamically changed by repositioning the gap filler plate along the guide rail. This eliminates the need for multiple unique components for different curved track configurations, as a single standardized component can be adjusted to various positions to achieve the required protrusion amounts.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap filler plate is designed with universal adjustability, allowing it to function at multiple protrusion positions along the guide rail. This single universal component can serve both linear and curved track sections, reducing the need for position-specific unique components and lowering manufacturing costs.
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 solution reduces maintenance complexity, eliminates the need for electric power to maintain the locked state, and facilitates precise adjustment of the gap filler plate's protrusion, improving installation accuracy and reducing costs by using fewer and more versatile components.
Implementation Method 1
a lock mechanism including a lock lever that restricts movement of the linear motion body, a lock bump that the lock lever abuts, and an elastic element that urges the lock lever in a direction away from the lock bump
Data Source
Figure 1(1)~1(2)
Figure 2(1)~2(2)
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention is intended to implement a gap filler having a lock mechanism that is simple in mechanical structure and is capable of adjusting the protrusion amount of a gap filler plate. A swing body 40 has a driving end section engaged with a driving end roller 27 of a linearly moved driving slider 25, and has a driven end section engaged with a guide groove 66 in a driven slider 62 coupled to the gap filler plate 16 by a driven end roller 46 changeable in installation position in a displacement installation-capable direction. The gap filler has an inverse operation preventive structure that, when the gap filler plate is in a fully protruded state and a fully stored state, enables only forward motion transfer from the driving slider 25 to the swing body 40. The guide groove 66 is formed in a direction orthogonal or almost orthogonal to the forward and backward movement directions of the gap filler plate 16, and the displacement installation-capable direction and the direction of the guide groove 66 are parallel to each other in the fully stored state.