Lock Pawl Merging for Stability and Versatility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locks have a complex structure with numerous components and limited dimensions due to the confined arrangement of coupling members, pawls, and their bearings, resulting in reduced stability and increased structural complexity.
Innovation Solution
The design simplifies the lock by having recesses in the nut halves directly adjacent to the retraction lever, allowing a single-piece pawl to create a form fit with the retraction lever, reducing the number of components and bearings required, and enhancing stability through a fork-shaped pawl design and central control device articulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate pawls and coupling elements are used to connect nut halves to the retraction lever, then the lock can achieve selective locking functions, but the number of components increases and the available space for component arrangement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate pawls into a single one-piece pawl that can simultaneously engage with both nut halves. This merging of components reduces the total number of parts while maintaining the ability to selectively lock either nut half or both together, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The one-piece pawl is designed with multiple arms that can selectively engage with different nut halves, allowing a single component to perform multiple locking functions. This multi-functionality enables the pawl to lock one nut half, the other nut half, or both simultaneously, achieving versatility without requiring separate components for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate pawls and their bearings are arranged in the lock, then the locking functions can be implemented, but the confined space reduces component dimensions and stability
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple separate pawls into a single one-piece pawl, the patent reduces the number of bearings required from multiple to just one. This consolidation increases component dimensions and improves stability, as the single bearing and pawl can be designed with larger, more robust dimensions rather than being constrained by tight spacing requirements
3Device complexity
If a one-piece pawl with multiple arms is used to engage both nut halves, then the number of components is reduced, but the pawl structure must be more complex to achieve simultaneous engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The one-piece pawl is segmented into multiple arms connected by bridges, with each arm designed to engage a specific nut half. This segmentation allows the single component to independently engage different nut halves while maintaining structural integrity, reducing overall device complexity without compromising the engagement functionality
Data Source
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AI summary
The lock has a lock case (1) and a latch or drop element (4) extended from the lock case. A retraction lever (5) is provided for retracting the latch or drop element. A handle (14) is integrally designed with the retraction lever for the simultaneous production of form-fit nut halves (6). The handle is pivotally mounted on the retraction lever and is engaged in recesses of the nut halves. The handle has two arms for engagement with a respective recess the nut halves.