Lock Apparatus Knob Rotating Center Offset
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing side lock apparatus for motor vehicle components, such as glove boxes, faces issues where the presser element and bearing portion's overlap width reduces during rotation, potentially leading to dislocation and failure to rotate the rotor, and increasing the thickness of the lock apparatus to maintain overlap width is not feasible.
Innovation Solution
A lock apparatus design where the rotating center of the knob is positioned closer to the holding portion than the contact point between the bearing portion and presser element, ensuring a consistent overlap width and preventing dislocation, with features like arc-shaped grooves and a key cylinder for compactness and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the length of the presser element or bearing portion is increased to ensure a larger overlap width L, then the overlap width between presser element and bearing portion is improved, but the knob and rotor become thick, making the whole lock apparatus thick
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the rotating center of the knob from being aligned with the presser element-bearer portion contact line to a position closer to the holding portion. This dimensional repositioning in the radial direction creates a moment arm that generates rotational force while maintaining a compact thickness, resolving the contradiction between reliability and apparatus thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameter of the rotating center relative to the presser element and bearing portion. By adjusting this parameter (positioning the rotating center closer to the holding portion), the system achieves both sufficient overlap width for reliability and reduced thickness, as the rotational moment is optimized through the new geometric configuration.
2Device complexity
If the presser element and shaft hole are provided nearly on the same line, then the structure is simplified, but when the knob rotates and the presser element presses on the bearing portion, the overlap width L gradually reduces, causing the presser element to dislocate from the bearing portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the rotating center from the radial alignment (same line as presser element and shaft hole) to a position closer to the holding portion. This creates a different geometric dimension for rotation, allowing the presser element to maintain consistent overlap with the bearing portion throughout the rotation arc, preventing dislocation while keeping the structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the knob's rotational geometry by positioning the rotating center offset from the radial alignment. This asymmetric configuration ensures that the presser element maintains optimal contact with the bearing portion during rotation, preventing dislocation that would occur with symmetric radial alignment.
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 design maintains the overlap width between the presser element and bearing portion, allowing for a compact and thin lock apparatus that effectively locks and unlocks the opening/closing member without dislocation, enhancing the operational reliability and aesthetics by preventing the reduction in overlap width.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring which rotationally biases the rotor directly or via the rod so that the rod is engaged with the engagement portion
Implementation Method 2
the presser element 3 presses on the bearing portion 5 of the rotor 4, and the rotor 4 rotates about a rotating center C2 against a biasing force of the return spring
Data Source
AI summary
A lock apparatus includes a housing, a rotor having a bearing portion, rods, a return spring, and a knob having a holding portion and a presser element. The presser element is formed so as to overlap the bearing portion with a predetermined overlap width. When the rods are kept engaged with the engagement portions, a rotating center of the knob is positioned closer to the holding portion than a contact point between the bearing portion and the presser element.