Locking Device for Foldable Structure Using Elastic Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable structures, such as vehicle seat backs, face challenges in smoothly transitioning between folded and unfolded states while maintaining stability in the unfolded position and allowing easy conversion back to the folded state.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a foldable body, support bracket, locking pin, locking groove, and unlocking tool allows for smooth rotation between states, using an elastically supported locking pin that can be displaced by an unlocking tool to secure or release the folded/unfolded positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to maintain stability in the unfolded position, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking pin for engagement, a locking groove for positioning, an elastic element for maintaining locking force, and a release mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure manageable and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element automatically maintains the locking pin in the locked position without requiring continuous external force or power. The mechanism self-regulates by using the elastic force to keep the locking pin engaged with the locking groove, providing stable support in the unfolded position passively.
2Reliability
If an elastic element is used to support the locking pin, then the reliability of locking is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element automatically maintains the locking pin in the locked position without requiring continuous external force or power. The mechanism self-regulates by using the elastic force to keep the locking pin engaged with the locking groove, providing stable support in the unfolded position passively.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element provides dynamic adaptability to the locking mechanism, allowing it to respond to variations in load and position. The elastic force automatically adjusts to maintain reliable locking under different conditions, improving the overall reliability of the locking system.
3Ease of operation
If a guide pin with arc-shaped guide part is used, then the smooth rotation between folded and unfolded states is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide part is formed with an arc-shaped curved surface that guides the guide pin during rotation. This curvature enables smooth rotational movement between the folded and unfolded states by providing a continuous guiding path. The arc shape is designed to match the rotation trajectory, ensuring顺畅 operation.
4Ease of operation
If an unlocking tool is provided in the foldable body, then the ease of releasing the locked state is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking tool is provided as a separate, extractable component within the foldable body, allowing it to be used only when needed for releasing the locked state. This extraction approach minimizes the impact on overall device complexity while providing easy access to the unlocking function when required.
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
Enables robust and simple switching between folded and unfolded states, ensuring stable maintenance of the unfolded position and easy release for folding, leveraging a locking mechanism with a guide pin and arc-shaped guide part for secure rotation guidance.
Implementation Method 1
a locking spring provided between a flange of the locking pin and the guide bracket to elastically support the locking pin toward the support bracket
Implementation Method 2
a release spring configured to elastically maintain a state where the release lever releases the release cable
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a locking device for a foldable structure, and the locking device includes: a foldable body, a support bracket to support a rotation shaft of the foldable body, a locking pin elastically supported in a direction from the foldable body toward the support bracket, a locking groove provided in the support bracket such that the locking pin is seated therein to inhibit a rotation of the foldable body with respect to the support bracket, and an unlocking tool provided in the foldable body to provide a linear displacement of the locking pin while overcoming an elastically-biased force of the locking pin such that the locking pin is separated from the locking groove.