Linkage Lock Compact Folding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linkage locks, while reduced in volume, lack an aesthetically pleasing appearance when folded and do not fully optimize the design for collapsed form.
Innovation Solution
A linkage lock design featuring a lock body with a socket and a linkage chain where the second end can be inserted and secured, utilizing a lock mechanism to lock the chain in place, allowing it to be wound around a shaft, with a cylindrical or polygonal shape, and incorporating positioning blocks and holes for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the linkage chain is wound around the lock body shaft, then the folded size is reduced, but the appearance may become bulky or unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The link plates are designed with arc-shaped recessions that match the cylindrical shaft, creating a smooth curved surface when wound. This curvature conceals the bulky appearance by forming an elegant cylindrical bundle, transforming the folded state from unsightly to aesthetically pleasing while maintaining compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The link plates function as flexible elements that can be bent and wrapped around the shaft. Their flexibility allows them to conform to the cylindrical shape of the shaft, creating a sleek wrapped appearance rather than a rigid bulky structure, thus improving aesthetics while reducing volume.
2Volume of moving object
If the linkage chain is made collapsible to reduce volume, then the folded size decreases, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage chain is divided into multiple link plates connected by pivots, allowing each segment to fold and wrap around the shaft independently. This segmentation enables compact folding without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms, as the simple pivot connections provide the necessary flexibility for collapse while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The link plates are designed to wrap around and nest against the lock body shaft, with each plate conforming to the shape of the shaft. This nesting arrangement allows the linkage chain to be compacted into a cylindrical bundle that fits within or alongside the lock body, achieving volume reduction without adding significant structural complexity.
3Reliability
If the second end of the linkage chain is inserted into the socket and locked, then the security function is improved, but the ease of operation may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock the second end of the linkage chain when it is inserted into the socket. The latch mechanism self-activates through the insertion motion itself, eliminating the need for separate locking actions and maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable security.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning block and positioning hole are pre-configured to guide the second end into the correct position before locking occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the latch engages, it does so smoothly and reliably, reducing operational complexity and maintaining ease of use while enhancing security reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A linkage lock comprises a lock body, a linkage chain, and a lock mechanism arranged in the lock body. The linkage chain is formed via linking a plurality of link plates and has a first end joined with the lock body and a second end able to be inserted into and secured to a socket of the lock body. The lock body has a shaft. When intending to collect the linkage lock whose second end is unlocked, the user winds the linkage chain around the surface of the shaft with the shaft being a central axis to fold the linkage lock.