Guard Locking Plunger With Energy Buffering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guard locking devices, such as tumblers, are prone to damage due to overheating or bending of the locking element and drive components, leading to downtime and maintenance issues when the locking element is blocked.
Innovation Solution
A tumbler design featuring a plunger with a movable energy storage mechanism, such as a spring, that buffers kinetic energy and allows for temporal decoupling, preventing drive overheating and enabling automatic release when the blockage is lifted, combined with a compact modular unit that reduces the number of components and guides required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking element is blocked, then the locking function is maintained, but the drive and locking element can be damaged due to overheating or bending
Solution Approach 1:
A spring element is integrated into the locking element to provide beforehand cushioning. When the locking element is blocked, the spring element absorbs the excess force through elastic deformation, preventing damage to the drive and locking element while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element's mechanical properties are changed by incorporating a spring element, allowing it to transition from a rigid structure to one with elastic characteristics. This parameter change enables the locking element to absorb energy through deformation when blocked, preventing damage.
2Reliability
If the locking element is blocked, then the locking position is maintained, but downtime and maintenance work are required
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element enables the locking element to automatically recover from blocked positions. When the blockage is removed, the elastic energy stored in the spring element automatically propels the locking element back into the correct position, eliminating the need for manual intervention or maintenance.
3Device complexity
If a compact design is pursued, then the number of components is reduced, but the drive may overheat due to increased stress
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is integrated directly into the locking element structure, merging the cushioning function with the locking function. This integration reduces the number of separate components while the spring element protects the drive from overheating by absorbing excess energy during blocked operations.
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
Prevents damage to the drive and locking mechanism by buffering energy during blockages, ensuring smooth operation and reducing maintenance needs while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
an energy store is provided to protect the drive, which acts on the one hand on the transmission element and on the other hand on the ram. The energy store is connected between the transmission element and the ram. The energy store acts directly on the ram; the energy storage acts on the ram.
Implementation Method 2
A tumbler design featuring a plunger with a movable energy storage mechanism, such as a spring, that buffers kinetic energy and allows for temporal decoupling
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The guard control has a plunger (1) which is movably guided between a bolting and unbolting end positions. A movement performing drive (3) is provided for moving the plunger and a linear transmission element (4). The transmission element is movable in plunger moving direction by the drive. An intermediate energy storage (5) is provided between the transmission element and the plunger. The transmission element is linearly guided in a sliding manner on plunger. The transmission element is formed as a component having a toothing and surrounding the plunger.