Locking Device Catch Mechanism for Compact Force Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices face challenges in achieving multiple functions within limited space while ensuring robustness and security, particularly in narrow profile locks, due to insufficient protection and inefficient force transfer.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a follower arrangement and catch mechanism that allows for compact design by rotating on a single axis, utilizing a catch arrangement to block the follower arm, preventing unauthorized movement, and incorporating non-mechanical activation for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are used to achieve multiple functions in limited space, then functionality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The follower arrangement is designed to perform multiple functions: it operates the locking bolt for locking/unlocking, and simultaneously operates the catch arrangement for blocking/unblocking. This multi-functionality is achieved through the follower arm that connects to both the locking bolt and the catch arrangement, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The follower arrangement and catch arrangement are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The follower arm serves as a common element that transmits motion to both the locking bolt and the catch arrangement, combining what could have been separate independent systems into one unified structure, thereby reducing component count and simplifying manufacturing
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are used to achieve multiple functions, then functionality is improved, but force transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the follower arrangement and catch arrangement into one integrated mechanism with the follower arm as a common element, the force path is shortened and simplified. The actuation force is directly transmitted through the follower arm to both the locking bolt and catch arrangement, eliminating intermediate components and reducing force loss, thereby improving force transfer efficiency while maintaining multiple functions
3Ease of operation
If protection of locking device components is insufficient, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The catch arrangement is designed to proactively block the follower arm in the blocking state, preventing any unauthorized manipulation of the locking bolt before such manipulation can occur. This preliminary protective action is automatically activated when the locking device is engaged, providing security without interfering with legitimate operation through the follower arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The catch arrangement is designed to be dynamically movable between blocking and unblocking states. It automatically blocks the follower arm when the locking device is engaged (blocking state) and can be easily unblocked when needed (unblocking state). This dynamic design provides strong security during normal operation while allowing convenient access when required, balancing security and ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a locking device comprising: —a locking bolt (12), —a follower arrangement (30) comprising a follower arm (32) configured to rotate about a first axis (B) and also comprising a follower (31) that is configured to rotate about the first axis (B) in response to an activation, —a catch arrangement (20) configured to block the follower arm (32) in a blocking state in order to prevent rotation of the follower arm (32), wherein the follower (31) of the follower arrangement (30) is operatively connected to the catch arrangement (20), wherein the blocking state corresponds to the catch arrangement (20) being in an end position of a movement path (P), and wherein the catch arrangement (20) is further configured to operate the follower arm (32) when not in the blocking state so that a movement of the catch arrangement (20) along the movement path (P) causes a corresponding movement of the follower arm (32).