Lock Slide Holding Positions Prevent Unintended Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locks are unreliable as they rely on a stop element to prevent the slide from moving into the locked position, which can fail if the stop element breaks, and tilting movements can cause unintended locking or unlocking issues.
Innovation Solution
The lock is designed with two independent holding positions for the slide, allowing it to be positively or non-positively held, preventing unintended locking even if one stop is omitted, and featuring a bolt that moves from an unlocked to a locked position through a guided mechanism, with additional latches and springs to ensure secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stop element is used to prevent the slide from moving into the locked position, then the locking sequence can be controlled, but the reliability decreases because the stop element can break or fail to release properly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the locking sequence control into two independent positive connections instead of using a single stop element. The first positive connection between the latch and slide controls one aspect of the sequence, while the second positive connection between the additional latch and slide controls another aspect. This segmentation eliminates the single point of failure inherent in using one stop element, thereby improving reliability while maintaining sequence control.
2Device complexity
If a single positive connection is used between the latch and slide, then the structure is simple, but the reliability is insufficient because one stop can be omitted due to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a backup positive connection mechanism. The first and second positive connections are designed to work together such that if one connection fails or is omitted due to breakage, the other connection remains intact and continues to prevent unintended locking. This redundancy provides beforehand cushioning against failure, ensuring reliable operation even when one component is damaged.
3Device complexity
If the slide is held in the release position by a single holding mechanism, then the structure is simpler, but unintended locking can occur if the holding mechanism fails
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates two independent holding positions for the slide in the release position: a first holding position established by the first positive connection between the latch and slide, and a second holding position established by the second positive connection between the additional latch and slide. This segmentation means that both connections must fail simultaneously for unintended locking to occur, dramatically improving reliability while the slide remains in the release position.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a lock (1) having a lock case (10), having a latch (11), having an additional latch (15), wherein the latch (11) and the additional latch (15) are each transferable into a position (55, 57) projecting out of the lock case (10) and into a position (56, 58) retracted into the lock case (10), and having a slide (20) which is transferable into a releasing position (50) and into a blocking position (51), wherein the slide (20) is transferable from the releasing position (50) into the blocking position (51) when a movement sequence takes place during which the latch (11) and the additional latch (15) are first transferred from the projecting positions (55, 57) into the retracted positions (56, 58) and then the latch (11) is transferred into the projecting position (55) while the additional latch (15) remains in the retracted position (58). According to the invention, provision is made for the slide (20) to be held in the releasing position (50) in at least one first and one second holding position (24, 27) of the slide (20), said holding positions (24, 27) being spaced apart from one another.