Compact Hook Lock for Sectional Doors with Integrated Pawl

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hook locks for vehicle bodies, particularly sectional doors, are complex to assemble and require difficult pre-assembly of components, and there is a need for a compact and easily installable solution.

Innovation Solution

A hook lock design where the hook, operating handle, and pawl are mounted on a base plate, with a locking cam and pawl system that allows for secure locking and easy pre-assembly, featuring a two-armed lever pawl biased by a spring and an unlocking section for manual operation, and an additional security stop for enhanced stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the locking mechanism is located at the end of the handle furthest from the body, then it is easily accessible for releasing the hook lock, but installation becomes relatively complex and components are difficult to pre-assemble

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility of locking mechanismVSAvoidInstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the locking mechanism components (handle, hook, pawl, and base plate) into a single integrated unit that can be pre-assembled as one piece. This merging eliminates the need for complex field assembly while maintaining the ergonomic benefit of having the release mechanism at the end of the handle furthest from the body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If the hook lock components are designed for easy pre-assembly, then installation becomes simpler, but the design may become less compact

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePre-assembly easeVSAvoidHook lock size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating all components into a single monoblock structure, the patent achieves both easy pre-assembly (as one piece) and compact design (no separate parts to assemble). The unified structure eliminates gaps and unnecessary spacing between components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the mounting surface for the hook and pawl, acts as the structural body of the locking mechanism, and includes the stop element for securing the hook. This multi-functionality reduces the overall volume by eliminating the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3754141B1Hook lock and vehicle body
Publication Date: 2024.02.07 WIHAG FAHRZEUGBAUSYST
  • EP3754141B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3754141B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3754141B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Hook lock, particularly for a sectional door, with a base plate (4) that can be fixed to a panel (2), on which a hook (5) and an operating handle (7) are rotatably mounted, wherein the hook (5) can be pivoted between an unlocked position and a locked position via the operating handle (7), and a locking device (20) is provided by means of which the hook (5) can be locked in a locked position, wherein the locking device (20) has a locking pawl (9) rotatably mounted on the base plate (4). This allows the hook lock to be built compactly and installed efficiently.