Housing Lock Claw Structure for Vibration-Resistant Quick Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock mechanisms for electronic devices in aircraft are unable to withstand the vibrations and loads generated during passenger use, and require either a screwing structure that is time-consuming or a dedicated tool for removal, which can be inconvenient and risky.
Innovation Solution
A lock mechanism that includes a fixing metal plate with a lock claw portion and attachment portion, allowing for secure connection and easy release using a general-purpose tool, with the lock claw portion positioned closer to the fixing portion than the attachment portion, enabling efficient handling of aircraft vibrations and loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a screwing structure is used to secure the connection, then the connection strength is improved, but the time required to secure and release the connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into a lock portion with a lock claw and a fixing portion with a latching groove. This segmentation allows the connection to be secured through a simple latching action rather than threading, significantly reducing the time required to secure and release the connection while maintaining connection strength through the engaged claw-groove interface.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a threading mechanism where screws are rotated to create friction-based holding, this invention inverts the approach by using a direct latching mechanism where the lock claw engages with the latching groove in a single motion. This inversion eliminates the time-consuming rotation and threading process while maintaining secure connection through the geometric interlocking of the claw and groove.
2Reliability
If a dedicated tool is required for removal, then the connection security is improved, but the ease of operation and safety are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism incorporates a self-service feature where the lock claw itself serves as the release mechanism. When force is applied to the lock portion in the separation direction, the lock claw automatically disengages from the latching groove without requiring any additional tools. This self-service mechanism maintains connection security during normal operation while enabling easy, tool-free removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock claw is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to transition between engaged and disengaged states. The claw can elastically deform to engage with the latching groove for secure connection, and can also be easily pushed back to disengage when force is applied in the separation direction. This dynamic behavior enables both secure connection and easy removal without dedicated tools.
3Ease of operation
If the lock claw portion is positioned farther from the fixing portion, then the leverage for release is improved, but the holding force against vibration and load is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lock claw is positioned locally close to the fixing portion where the holding force is most critical. This local positioning ensures maximum holding force against vibration and load in the connection direction. The claw's proximity to the fixing portion creates a short lever arm that provides sufficient mechanical advantage for release when force is applied directly to the lock portion, eliminating the need for a long lever arm that would reduce holding force.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism is designed so that the lock claw is pre-positioned in a state ready to engage with the latching groove. The attachment portion is designed to guide the lock claw into the engaged position during connection, ensuring proper alignment before engagement. This preliminary positioning action ensures optimal holding force without requiring the claw to be positioned far from the fixing portion.
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
The lock mechanism effectively increases holding force against aircraft vibrations and loads, allows for quick release using a general-purpose tool, and simplifies maintenance by using a single, easily replaceable metal plate component.
Implementation Method 1
the tip side of the lock arm is elastically deformed outward via the tapered protruding portion by a flat jig inserted between the top portion of the connector housing and the tapered protruding portion from the base side of the lock arm
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A lock mechanism fixes connection between a first and second housings provided in an electronic device. The lock mechanism includes a lock portion provided in one of the first and second housings, and a fixing portion provided in the other thereof and fixing the lock portion by latching the lock portion in a first direction intersecting with a connection direction of the first and second housings. The lock portion includes an attachment portion attaching the lock portion to the one of the first and second housings, and a lock claw portion. When the first and second housings are connected, the lock claw portion is provided in the same direction as the attachment portion and at a position close to the fixing portion as viewed from the fixing portion in the connection direction, and is provided closer to the fixing portion than the attachment portion in the first direction.