Portable Generator Lock with Variable Depth Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locks for portable generators lack the ability to adjust the depth of the locking lever along the axis of rotation, limiting the engagement with deeper engagement seats beyond the free end of the sliding sleeve.
Innovation Solution
A lock design featuring a base structure, a locking lever with a bearing structure, a sleeve, and fastening means that allow the sleeve to rotate around a first axis, enabling the lever to engage seats deeper than the free end of the sleeve, with a handle that can rotate around a second axis to position the lever appropriately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a traditional lock with a sliding sleeve is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the locking lever cannot engage seats deeper than the free end of the sleeve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second axis of rotation (Y-axis) perpendicular to the original first axis (X-axis). The handle rotates about the second axis to convert rotational motion into translational motion of the sleeve along the first axis, enabling the lever to reach deeper engagement seats beyond the original sleeve length while maintaining a compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the lock structure dynamically adjustable by allowing the sleeve to translate along the first axis and the handle to rotate about the second axis. This dynamic configuration enables the engagement depth to be adjusted based on the handle's angular position, resolving the contradiction between fixed simple structure and variable deep engagement.
2Length of stationary object
If the sleeve length is increased to reach deeper engagement seats, then the engagement depth is improved, but the device becomes more complex and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a longer fixed sleeve, the patent employs a shorter sleeve that can translate dynamically along the first axis. The handle's rotation about the second axis drives this translation, allowing the sleeve to reach deeper positions only when needed. This dynamic approach maintains ease of operation while achieving deeper engagement seats.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a second rotational dimension (Y-axis) that converts handle rotation into sleeve translation along the first axis. This dimensional transformation allows the operator to control engagement depth through handle positioning rather than requiring a physically longer sleeve, thereby maintaining operational simplicity while achieving greater engagement depth.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lever depth is made variable to engage deeper seats, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing sleeve and handle mechanism serve multiple functions: the sleeve both rotates about the first axis and translates along it, while the handle both rotates about the second axis and controls the sleeve's translation. This multi-functionality achieves lever depth variability without adding separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic motion where the sleeve's position along the first axis is determined by the handle's angular position about the second axis. This dynamic relationship provides continuous adaptability in lever depth without requiring discrete adjustment mechanisms or additional components, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A lock (1), suitable to be used in the field of portable generators, comprising a locking lever (3) whose depth can be changed and that allows to place the engaging portion (3a) of the locking lever also beyond the free end of the sleeve (5) on which said lever (3) can slide.