Automatic Hinged Lock Partial Insertion Transport Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Articulated locks with automatic functions require active actuation to unlock and detach the locking bar, complicating handling and storage, especially when the locking bar is not fully inserted into the lock body.
Innovation Solution
The locking bar is only partially inserted into the lock body's receiving opening in the ruler configuration, allowing for a stable transport position without being locked, enabling easy unfolding into an open loop without active mechanism actuation, and featuring a locking mechanism that automatically locks the bar upon full insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking mechanism is actively actuated to unlock the locking bar, then the locking bar can be detached from the lock body, but the handling becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically unlock itself when the locking bar is completely inserted into the receiving opening. The automatic function eliminates the need for manual actuation of the locking mechanism, allowing the system to service itself through the natural insertion motion of the locking bar.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bar is designed with a length that allows it to be partially inserted into the receiving opening in the ruler configuration, preparing the system for automatic unlocking. The preliminary partial insertion positions the locking bar so that complete insertion automatically triggers the unlocking function.
2Extent of automation
If the locking bar is fully inserted into the lock body in the ruler configuration, then the locking mechanism activates automatically, but the articulated bar bracket cannot be folded into a compact arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking bar is designed to be partially inserted into the receiving opening in the ruler configuration, but not fully inserted. This partial action is sufficient to maintain stability during transport while preventing automatic locking, allowing the bar to be folded into a compact arrangement. Full insertion is required only when locking is intended.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving opening is designed with specific dimensional characteristics that allow partial insertion of the locking bar. The local geometry of the receiving opening and locking bar interaction zone enables stable positioning during transport without triggering the automatic locking function.
3Volume of moving object
If the locking bar is not locked to the lock body in the ruler configuration, then the articulated bar bracket can be folded into a compact arrangement, but the handling during transport becomes less stable
Solution Approach 1:
The locking bar is preliminarily positioned by partial insertion into the receiving opening in the ruler configuration. This preliminary positioning provides sufficient stability during transport without triggering full locking, allowing the compact folded arrangement to be maintained while ensuring handling stability.
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 design simplifies handling during locking and storage, providing a stable transport position and preventing accidental locking, while allowing immediate unfolding into an open loop upon removal from storage, combining the benefits of automatic locking with easy handling.
Implementation Method 1
the locking mechanism can have a prestressed bolt, which is temporarily moved against the prestress from a closed position into a release position by inserting the locking bar into the receiving opening of the lock body and snaps back into the closed position due to the prestressing
Data Source
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AI summary
An automatic hinged lock comprises a lock body housing a locking mechanism and a hinged bar shackle with several pivotally connected hinged bars and a locking bar. One end of the hinged bar shackle is permanently attached to the lock body, while the other end features the locking bar. The hinged bar shackle can be folded into a ruler-like configuration in which the hinged bars and locking bar are parallel to each other. The lock body has a receiving opening, and inserting the locking bar into this opening automatically locks it to the lock body via the locking mechanism. In the ruler-like configuration of the hinged bar shackle, the locking bar is only partially inserted into the receiving opening of the lock body and is not locked to the lock body.