Lockable Knob With Linear Guides And Radial Orifices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyless locks require complex mechanisms to block the rotation of the knob relative to the carcass for locking and unlocking, often involving multiple components and intricate movements, which complicates the design and increases the number of parts needed.
Innovation Solution
A simplified lock design where the knob and cylinder have geometrically conjugate linear guides that embed or release during linear displacement, with coaxial radial orifices for locking and axial phase-shift for unlocking, using a split axial hole and radial holes for minimal component usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex blocking mechanisms are used to prevent rotation of the knob relative to the carcass, then locking reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the knob with its guide, the carcass with its guide, and the interaction between these two separate elements. This segmentation allows each component to have a specialized function while maintaining overall system reliability without requiring a monolithic complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex blocking mechanisms to prevent rotation, the invention inverts the approach by using simple linear guides that naturally constrain movement. The guides are designed so that their geometric configuration inherently prevents unwanted rotation without requiring additional blocking components.
2Reliability
If multiple components are used to achieve locking and unlocking functions, then functional reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into fewer components. The knob integrates both the linear guide element and the locking/unlocking functionality. The carcass similarly combines the stationary guide structure with the locking mechanism interface. This merging reduces the total number of parts while maintaining functional reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear guides serve multiple purposes: they guide the linear movement of the knob, they provide the locking constraint when engaged, and they enable the unlocking mechanism through their geometric design. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
3Reliability
If intricate movements are used to block and unblock rotation, then locking security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static blocking approach to a dynamic one where the knob can move linearly between locked and unlocked positions. The guides are designed to dynamically engage and disengage based on the knob's position, providing security when locked while allowing easy operation when unlocking through simple linear movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear guides act as intermediaries between the user's simple linear movement of the knob and the complex rotational locking/unlocking action. The guides translate the simple linear input into the appropriate rotational or constrained movements, maintaining both security and ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A lockable knob lock, structured within a locking lug (1) mounted without rotation on the axis of a cylinder (2) which rotates within a housing (3) formed by a knob (4). The knob (4) is mounted within a cylinder (2) and a housing (3) with the ability to move linearly, guided between two extreme positions of operation and locking. The housing (3) and the knob (4) have at least two geometrically conjugate linear guides (33), (43) which, during the linear movement of the knob (4), engage or disengage. The cylinder (2) and the knob (4) have radial orifices (20), (40) which are coaxial – for locking – or axially out of phase – for operation. The cylinder (2) and the knob (3) have geometrically conjugate cams (22), (32) which limit the rotational movement of the cylinder (2) in the casing (3) between the opening and closing positions of the tongue (1).