Automatic Lock Control Cam Activation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic locks suffer from the inability to easily activate or deactivate the automatic locking function, leading to annoying drag marks and potential collisions between the control cam and lock case, as well as constant actuation of the button against the control cam.
Innovation Solution
The control cam is rotatably mounted and axially displaceable, allowing for easy activation or deactivation of the automatic function, with a magnet ensuring precise movement and avoiding contact with the button, and a spring element for reliable retraction, along with a form-fitting mechanism for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control cam is fixed in the locking plate, then the automatic lock structure is simple, but the automatic function cannot be activated or deactivated easily
Solution Approach 1:
The control cam is made rotatable within the locking plate, allowing it to switch between a release position (where it contacts the button to activate automatic function) and a basic position (where it is retracted and does not contact the button). This dynamic positioning enables easy activation/deactivation of the automatic function without complex mounting structures.
2Ease of operation
If the control cam protrudes far from the locking plate to activate the button, then the automatic function can be activated, but the control cam may hit the lock case
Solution Approach 1:
The control cam rotates to position itself precisely for button contact, then can be easily retracted into the locking plate when not in use. This dynamic positioning ensures the control cam only protrudes when needed for button actuation, preventing collisions with the lock case while maintaining effective button engagement.
3Ease of operation
If the button slides over the locking plate during door closing, then the door can be closed, but drag marks are created on the locking plate
Solution Approach 1:
The control cam acts as an intermediary between the button and the locking plate. When the door is closed, the control cam is positioned to contact the button for actuation, while the button itself does not slide across the locking plate surface. This intermediary positioning eliminates direct contact between the button and locking plate, preventing drag marks while enabling door closing functionality.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the control cam is adjustable to prevent collision with lock case, then collision can be avoided, but the position adjustment is laborious
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring laborious adjustment of the control cam position, the invention makes the control cam rotatable within the locking plate. This allows the control cam to dynamically position itself for button contact or retract into the locking plate as needed, eliminating collision risks without requiring manual adjustment during installation or maintenance.
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
This design allows for seamless activation or deactivation of the automatic lock, preventing drag marks and collisions, ensuring smooth operation and precise triggering of the bolt, while being easily retrofittable to existing locks.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet (20) is provided for moving the control cam (16) into the release position
Implementation Method 2
the control cam (16) is biased by a spring element (19) into a position in the movement range of the button (12)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The lock (5) has a close metal sheet (15) arranged facing a lock casing (8) and provided with a latch (9) that is movable between open and closing positions. A sensing device (12) is protruded from the casing for acquisition of a position of a control cam (16) connected with the sheet. The device is spaced apart from the sheet in a position in which the casing faces the sheet. The cam is movably located between a release position in a movement range of the device and a retracted basic position outside a movement range of the device. The cam is fixable in the basic position.