Friction Locking Assembly With Unlocking Unit for Free-Play Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking apparatuses face challenges in preventing relative movement between different members while maintaining a locking state without complex structures, and they often suffer from free play and inefficient locking performance.
Innovation Solution
A locking apparatus comprising a first body part, a second body part, a locking unit that moves between them to generate friction, and an unlocking unit that pushes the locking unit to release the lock, allowing for improved locking performance by preventing movement through friction and selectively releasing the locking state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connection members are coupled to fix member locations or magnets are used to prevent relative movement, then locking function is achieved, but structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit integrates multiple locking parts and coupling structures into a single integrated component that can prevent relative movement between members. The locking unit includes a locking protrusion, locking groove, and coupling structure all combined in one element, eliminating the need for separate connection members and magnets.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a locking mechanism to prevent relative movement, provides a coupling structure between members, and enables easy release through the unlocking unit. This multi-functional design replaces multiple separate components with a single versatile element.
2Reliability
If locking parts are used to prevent relative movement, then locking performance is improved, but free play remains in the locking state
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit features localized contact surfaces with specific geometric shapes that maximize frictional force at the locking interface. The locking protrusion and groove are designed with complementary shapes that create high contact pressure and friction, eliminating free play while maintaining smooth operation elsewhere in the mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking unit incorporates elastic elements that provide dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the locking components to self-adjust and eliminate gaps or free play. The elastic deformation of these elements ensures continuous contact and friction-based locking without rigid constraints that would cause play.
3Reliability
If frictional force is used to prevent relative movement, then locking performance is enhanced, but locking and unlocking operations become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking unit acts as an intermediary mechanism that applies force to the locking unit to overcome friction and release the locked state. This dedicated unlocking component simplifies the operation by providing a clear mechanical advantage system that easily overcomes the friction-based locking without requiring complex manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking protrusion and groove incorporate curved or rounded surfaces that facilitate smooth engagement and disengagement. The curved geometry allows the locking components to roll or glide into place during locking and to easily release during unlocking, reducing the operational force required while maintaining friction-based locking performance.
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 apparatus effectively prevents relative movement between members through frictional forces generated by the locking unit, enhancing locking performance and allowing for easy release of the locking state, thereby improving overall locking efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member connected to the first body part, having elastic resilience, and pushing the contact part in a direction in which the interval between the first body part and the second body part decreases
Implementation Method 2
a locking unit capable of moving within an interval between the first body part and the second body part and simultaneously contacting the first body part and the second body part, when the locking unit simultaneously contacts the first body part and the second body part, a movement of the second body part with respect to the first body part in at least one direction is prevented
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a locking apparatus, and more particularly, to a locking apparatus with improved locking performance as a locking unit is stuck between different members capable of moving relative to each other and in which locking is released as an unlocking unit pushes the locking unit.