Horse Stall Locking Bracket with External Panic Release Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing securing devices for animal boxes, particularly horse boxes, lack effective panic release mechanisms that allow operators to unlock the box bar without entering the enclosure, posing safety risks when dealing with panicked animals.

Innovation Solution

A securing device with a manually operated release mechanism that includes a solvent acting on the locking device, connected to multiple operating means both inside and outside the animal box, allowing for independent or coupled operation to safely release the lock without requiring the operator to enter the box, featuring a rotary actuator and optical display for secure and easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the locking device is arranged inside the animal box, then the locking mechanism is secure and protected, but the operator must enter the box to unlock it, creating safety risks with panicked animals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidoperator safety risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is divided into two independent parts: the locking device (10) remains inside the animal box for security, while the release device (11) is positioned outside the box. This segmentation allows the operator to unlock the mechanism from a safe position without entering the box, eliminating the safety risk while maintaining locking security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A solvent (22) acts as an intermediary mechanism connecting the external release device to the internal locking means. The solvent transmits the unlocking action from outside the box to the locking means inside, enabling remote operation while maintaining the physical separation between the operator and the panicked animal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the release device requires manual operation from inside the box, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the operator cannot release the lock without entering the enclosure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking mechanism simplicityVSAvoidpanic release accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into a locking portion (inside the box) and a release portion (outside the box). The release device (11) with its solvent (22) extends through the box wall, allowing the operator to actuate the unlocking mechanism from outside without entering the enclosure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The release capability is extended to a new dimension by positioning the release device on the external surface of the box wall. This spatial arrangement allows operation from outside the box, transforming the one-dimensional internal locking mechanism into a two-dimensional system with both internal and external access points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the operating means are coupled together, then the system is integrated, but incorrect operation from outside can be prevented only with additional safety devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating means integrationVSAvoidoperating safety device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operating safety device (34) is designed to be temporarily engaged during normal operation to prevent inadvertent unlocking. When panic release is required, the safety device can be quickly disengaged (discarded) to allow the release device to function. After use, the system returns to its secured state with the safety device recovered and re-engaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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

Enables safe and secure operation by allowing panic release from outside the animal box, preventing accidental unlocking and ensuring the locking device remains intact, while providing additional safety features to prevent incorrect operation and misuse.

Implementation Method 1

The locking means acted upon by the release device can be received in or on the holder. It can be movably guided, preferably against the force of a resetting device, e.g. a resetting spring.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3372448B1Safety device
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 HUMBAUR HLDG GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3372448B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3372448B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3372448B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a securing device for a stall bar (6) in an animal stall (3), in particular a horse stall, wherein the securing device (8) comprises a bracket (9) mountable on the animal stall (3) with a locking mechanism (10) for the stall bar (6) and a manually operable release mechanism (11) for releasing the locking mechanism (10). The invention is characterized in that the locking mechanism (10) comprises cooperating, in particular positively interlocking, locking means (16, 17) on the bracket (9) and on the stall bar (6), wherein one locking means (17) on the bracket (9) is movably guided and preferably guided to be able to deflect against a return spring (21), in particular a spring, and is acted upon by the release mechanism (11). The invention further relates to a vehicle with such a securing device.