Integrated Rotary Latch and Hold-Down Mechanism for Rail Doors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking systems for pivoting sliding doors, particularly in rail vehicles and buses, are complex and costly due to the need for precise alignment and multiple components, which complicates manufacturing and assembly while providing secure locking in multiple directions.

Innovation Solution

A simplified locking and unlocking device integrates the functions of a rotary bolt and a hold-down device onto a common base plate, allowing the rotary bolt to rotate around the catch bolt for secure locking in both the Y and Z directions, eliminating the need for separate hold-down pairs and reducing component complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pairs of hold-down devices are used to lock the door in the Z direction, then secure locking is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the hold-down device with the rotary latch mechanism into a single integrated assembly. The hold-down device is positioned such that it works in conjunction with the rotary latch, eliminating the need for separate hold-down pairs while maintaining secure locking in the Z direction. This merging of functions reduces component count and simplifies the overall locking system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: the rotary latch provides locking in the Y direction while the hold-down device provides locking in the Z direction. This multi-functional design allows a single component structure to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate devices, reducing complexity while maintaining comprehensive locking security.

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

2Reliability

If pairs of hold-down devices are used to lock the door in the Z direction, then secure locking is achieved, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidmanufacturing and assembly costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the hold-down device with the rotary latch mechanism into a single integrated assembly, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration directly lowers manufacturing and assembly costs while maintaining the necessary locking security in the Z direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If pairs of hold-down devices are used to lock the door in the Z direction, then secure locking is achieved, but alignment precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of the hold-down device with the rotary latch mechanism eliminates the need for precise alignment between separate hold-down pairs and the rotary latch. The unified structure ensures proper positioning and interaction of components, reducing alignment precision requirements while maintaining secure locking functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If multiple separate locking components are used, then comprehensive locking is achieved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoiddoor locking system weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple locking functions into a single integrated assembly that includes both the rotary latch and hold-down device. This consolidation reduces the total number of components and their cumulative weight, while maintaining comprehensive locking capability in multiple directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2050904B1Locking and unlocking device for swinging doors
Publication Date: 2012.09.26 GEBR BODE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2050904B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2050904B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2050904B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The locking and unlocking device (20) comprises a guide pin (34) and a swiveling stored sash fastener (24) with a locking area for locking of the guide pin. A holding down clamp (26) is provided for locking a door (36) in closing position in a Z-direction. The sash fastener and the holding down clamp are arranged on one side and the guide pin is arranged on the other side. The sash fastener is swiveled in closing position of the door around the guide pin.