Lock Coupling-Bolt Mechanism Preventing Vibration-Induced Unlocking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locks for securing energy storage devices on electric vehicles are prone to accidental unlocking due to vibrations or unauthorized access, compromising security and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A lock mechanism with a movable bolt and a coupling bolt that can be selectively engaged by an actuating element, featuring a ramp mechanism and a locking element to prevent accidental unlocking, and an actuator for keyless operation and enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a strong spring element is used to force the bolt into the locked position, then the locking reliability is improved, but the risk of accidental unlocking due to vibrations or external force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent parts: a bolt for securing the counterpart and a coupling bolt for preventing accidental unlocking. The coupling bolt can be selectively engaged or disengaged from the actuating element, allowing the system to switch between secure locking mode and vulnerable mode. This segmentation enables the strong spring force to maintain locking reliability while the coupling bolt provides protection against accidental unlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling bolt acts as an intermediary element between the actuating element and the bolt. When engaged, it transmits the actuating force to the bolt, enabling intentional unlocking. When disengaged, it prevents the actuating element from directly influencing the bolt, thereby protecting against accidental unlocking while allowing the spring to maintain the locked position.
2Ease of operation
If the actuating element is made easily operable for manual actuation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of unauthorized access through increased force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling bolt is designed to be dynamically engageable and disengageable from the actuating element. During normal operation, the coupling bolt is engaged to transmit actuating force. When unauthorized access is detected or prevented, the coupling bolt can be disengaged, dynamically changing the system state from vulnerable to secure, while maintaining ease of legitimate operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling bolt provides preliminary protection by being selectively engaged to prevent unauthorized actuation before it can succeed. The system anticipates potential unauthorized access and pre-establishes the coupling bolt in a position that blocks such access, while still allowing legitimate users to operate the lock through the engaged coupling bolt.
3Reliability
If additional security mechanisms are added to prevent accidental unlocking, then the security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling bolt serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a selective engagement mechanism for the actuating element, a protection against accidental unlocking, and a control element for the ramp mechanism. By merging these functions into a single component, the system achieves enhanced security without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling bolt is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a mechanical linkage for intentional unlocking and a safety mechanism against accidental unlocking. The same component that enables legitimate operation also provides protection, reducing the need for separate dedicated security components and thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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 mechanism ensures secure locking by preventing accidental unlocking and enhances ease of use with keyless operation, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and improving overall security.
Implementation Method 1
the actuating element, in particular an inclined control surface of the actuating element, and the coupling bolt form a ramp mechanism for converting a movement of the actuating element into a movement of the bolt
Implementation Method 2
the bolt is mounted by means of a spring (26), so that it can be moved from its locked position into the unlocked position against the restoring force of the spring (26)
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 3A~4B
Figure 5A~6B
AI summary
The invention relates to a lock with a locking mechanism having a bolt that is movable between a locking position provided for securing a counterpart movable relative to the locking mechanism and an unlocking position provided for releasing the counterpart, and with an actuating element for manually moving the bolt into the unlocking position.