Tool-Free Lock Assembly with Automatic Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locks require manual assembly using screws, which can be troublesome and may result in incomplete fastening, affecting the assembly quality and requiring new screws for replacement, leading to potential positioning issues.
Innovation Solution
A lock design featuring a latch assembly with a first and second locking mechanism that allows for automatic positioning without screws, using a latch slot and assembling hole system with resilient members and locating pins to drive the assembly body and linkage member, enabling easy assembly and adaptation to various door panel thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional locks are assembled using screws and manual tools, then the locking mechanism can be securely fastened to the door panel, but the assembly process becomes troublesome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the screws and manual fastening tools from the assembly process. The lock body is designed with a pressing plate that directly presses against the door panel, and the locking mechanism is integrated into the door structure through recessed grooves, removing the need for separate fastening components and manual screwing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock assembly performs self-service by utilizing the door panel's own structure for mounting. The pressing plate leverages the door panel's surface for support, and the locking mechanism uses the door's existing geometry to achieve secure attachment without requiring external fastening tools or additional components.
2Manufacturing precision
If screws are manually driven into the door panel for fastening, then the face plate can be secured to the lateral side of the door panel, but incomplete fastening may occur affecting positioning quality
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the manual mechanical screw-driving system with a direct pressing mechanism. The pressing plate applies continuous mechanical pressure against the door panel, and the locking mechanism engages through geometric interlocking rather than threaded fastening, eliminating variability in fastening quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock body is pre-configured with the pressing plate and locking mechanism positioned to engage with the door panel's structure before installation. The pressing plate is designed to automatically align and press against the door panel surface, and the locking mechanism is pre-positioned to engage with the door's geometry, ensuring correct positioning without manual adjustment.
3Ease of repair
If replacement locks require new screws to be screwed into old screw holes, then the lock can be replaced, but the new screws may fail to be fully fastened rendering the face plate improperly secured
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the dependency on screw holes and threaded fastening for lock replacement. The pressing plate design allows the lock to be mounted on the door panel's surface without requiring pre-drilled holes, and the locking mechanism uses the door's existing structure rather than relying on repeated screw installation into the same locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing plate is designed to dynamically adapt to the door panel's surface during installation. The pressing mechanism allows for adjustment and ensures complete contact between the pressing plate and door panel, providing reliable fastening that accommodates variations in door panel thickness and surface geometry.
4Ease of operation
If a conventional lock structure with separate inner and outer locking members is used, then the lock can function for regular door household locks, but the assembly becomes complex requiring multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the inner locking member, outer locking member, and pressing plate into a single integrated lock body. The locking mechanism is combined with the mounting structure, and the face plate is integrated with the pressing mechanism, reducing the number of separate components from multiple discrete parts to a unified assembly that installs as one unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A lock, adapted for being assembled on a door panel, is provided. The door sheet has an assembling hole and a latch slot connected and communicated with the assembling hole. The lock includes a latch assembly, a first locking mechanism, and a second locking mechanism. The latch assembly is assembled in the latch slot and extended into the assembling hole. The first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism are assembled in the assembling hole from the two sides thereof respectively to automatically position and affix the latch assembly. Because the latch assembly can be to led to move and positioned in the latch slot and the assembling hole by the first locking mechanism and no screw or other tool are required for fastening in the entire process of the assembling, the present invention is therefore easy and convenient to assemble.