Locking Device with Coaxial Nested Springs for Compact Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for electrical appliances, such as washing machines, require more installation space and are not compact enough to be universally applicable across different appliances, limiting their versatility and ease of retrofitting.
Innovation Solution
A compact locking device with a linearly movable locking pin and tappet connected by a clamping device featuring two coaxially arranged springs, allowing for a compact arrangement and mechanical coupling, enabling reliable locking with minimal installation space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking devices are used, then reliable locking is achieved, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the first inner spring inside the second outer spring, creating a compact concentric arrangement. This nested configuration allows both springs to occupy the same radial space, significantly reducing the overall installation footprint while maintaining the mechanical coupling function between the tappet and locking pin
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a lateral or parallel spring arrangement to a concentric radial arrangement. By organizing springs in the radial dimension rather than lateral space, the design achieves compactness in the installation area while preserving the linear movement capability of the locking mechanism
2Area of stationary object
If compact locking device is designed, then installation space is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is segmented into distinct functional components: the first inner spring for primary clamping, the second outer spring for secondary clamping, and a coupling body for mechanical connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall compactness through their concentric arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling body serves multiple functions: it connects the two springs mechanically, provides a mounting interface for the tappet, and facilitates the linear movement transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, balancing complexity reduction with the compact design requirement
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 compact design allows for reliable locking in various electrical appliances, including washing machines, with reduced installation space needs, facilitating multiple and diverse applications, and enabling easy retrofitting of locking devices in different machines.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping device has two coaxially arranged springs, a first inner spring of the clamping device is at least partially surrounded by a second outer spring of the clamping device
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device including: a locking pin movable in a linear direction; a tappet movable in the linear direction; and a clamping device connecting the tappet to the locking pin. Wherein the clamping device having an inner spring and an outer spring arranged coaxially relative to each other in the linear direction, and the inner spring is at least partially surrounded by the outer spring in a radial direction orthogonal to the linear direction.