Locking Device Rotation Damper Gear Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices face challenges in providing a smooth operation feeling and suppressing the hitting sound of a returning lever, while also effectively damping the movement of the lock rod and connection member, especially when attempting to apply a braking force over a wider range, which often requires longer components and is not effective in varying the movement of the lock mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A locking device incorporating a rotation damper with a braking shaft and gear, positioned to conform to the lever's turning center, along with an operation gear that engages the rotation damper's gear and slides with the lock rod, allowing for a wider braking range and damping of the lever and lock rod movements, reducing the hitting sound and improving usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a link mechanism using a slit and protruding portion is used to damp the lid member movement, then smooth operation feeling is improved, but the braking force cannot effectively damp the lock rod and connection member movement
Solution Approach 1:
The braking function is segmented into two independent systems: the slit-based link mechanism for dampening lid member movement and the gear-based rotation damper for dampening lock rod movement. This allows each system to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation gear acts as an intermediary that transmits the braking force from the rotation damper to the lock rod mechanism. The gear engages with the rotation damper's gear and simultaneously interacts with the lock rod, enabling effective dampening of the lock rod movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the slit length is increased to provide braking force over a wider range, then the braking range is extended, but the size of the damper increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking mechanism transitions from a one-dimensional slit-based system to a two-dimensional gear-based system. The gear's rotational engagement with the rotation damper provides extended braking range without requiring proportional increases in component length, as the braking action occurs through rotational teeth engagement rather than linear sliding within a slit.
3Reliability
If a gear-based link mechanism is used instead of a slit-based mechanism, then the braking force can damp the lock rod movement, but the operation feeling becomes less smooth
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two previously separate braking mechanisms into a single integrated system. The gear-based rotation damper and the slit-based link mechanism work together, with the gear system handling lock rod dampening and the slit system handling lid member dampening, thereby achieving both effective braking and smooth operation feeling simultaneously.
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 solution effectively dampens the returning lever and lock rod movements, reducing the hitting sound and enhancing the operational feel by providing a stable and wide-range braking force, thus improving the overall performance of the locking device.
Implementation Method 1
a rotation damper with a braking shaft and gear, positioned to conform to the lever's turning center... damping of the lever and lock rod movements, reducing the hitting sound
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device includes a lever turnably provided relative to a lid member, and switched from an initial state to an operating state against an urging force or self-weight; a lock rod sliding in association with turning of the lever; and a braking device. The locking device locks the lid member in a main member side through the lock rod, and switches the lid member to be unlocked by turning of the lever. The braking device is a rotation damper including a braking shaft with a gear, and placed to approximately conform to a turning center of the lever relative to the lever to damp the lever and the lock rod. The rotation damper includes an operation gear disposed to engage the gear of the rotation damper, associate the gear with sliding of the lock rod, and rotate the gear in a direction opposite to the turning of the lever.