Gate Lock Stop Element Dynamics Prevent Sticking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic gate locks often suffer from sticking issues when the key is turned inside the unlocking latch, leading to unreliable operation and increased risk of malfunction, which reduces their usage compared to other types of locks.
Innovation Solution
A gate lock design featuring a stop element and retraction element with elastic retention, allowing smooth sliding motion along a single axis, and latching levers that interact through a guide lever to facilitate easy opening and closing by shifting between idle and opening configurations, reducing the risk of seizure and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gate lock uses a key-operated unlocking latch, then the gate can be opened manually even without electric power, but the lock components are prone to seizing or sticking due to infrequent use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the stop element movable rather than fixed. The stop element can dynamically change its position between blocking and non-blocking states, allowing the lever to rotate freely during unlocking while maintaining security during locked state. This dynamic adjustment prevents sticking by eliminating static friction points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by positioning the stop element to automatically withdraw from the lever's path before the unlocking operation begins. The spring pre-loads the stop element in a retracted position, so when the key is inserted and turned, the lever can rotate without obstruction from the start, preventing any potential sticking during the unlocking process.
2Device complexity
If the stop element is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the lever cannot rotate freely causing the lock to get stuck when the key is turned
Solution Approach 1:
The stop element is transformed from a fixed component to a dynamic one that can move along the lever's rotation path. This is achieved by mounting the stop element on a sliding mechanism with spring retention, allowing it to automatically adjust its position based on the lever's angular position, thus preventing sticking while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop element is segmented into multiple functional parts: a body portion, a retention portion with spring, and a positioning mechanism. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently - the spring provides continuous retention force, the sliding mechanism enables movement, and the body portion blocks the lever path when needed - collectively solving the sticking problem without excessive complexity.
3Reliability
If the stop element is made movable to prevent sticking, then the unlocking operation becomes reliable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop element mechanism is designed to be self-regulating through spring retention. The spring automatically maintains the stop element in the appropriate position based on the lever's angular position without requiring external control systems, complex actuators, or additional power sources. This self-service approach achieves reliable unlocking while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as an intermediary element between the stop element and the lever. It provides continuous retention force, ensuring the stop element remains properly positioned during both locked and unlocking states. This intermediary spring mechanism simplifies the overall design by eliminating the need for complex control systems, sensors, or powered actuators to manage the stop element's position.
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 design ensures reliable opening and closing of the gate, minimizing the risk of failure and preventing sticking, while maintaining a simple component structure and smooth operation, even when seldom used.
Implementation Method 1
a stop element, which, when in operation, can lock a lever (drive element), which in operation is integral with the motoreducer and rotates about a second axis Z orthogonal to the first axis X
Data Source
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AI summary
A gate lock (10) comprising a body. (11), which in turn comprises a latch (12) that can house a key (13) for opening said lock (10) and a stop element (14) having a first configuration of engagement on at least a part of the gate; the lock (10) further comprises a slide (17), which slides with respect to the body (11); the stop element (14) is slidably constrained to a guide element.