Locking device having a venting channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing locking devices for panels in cold rooms face issues with air pockets forming around the locking housing due to incomplete displacement of air by foaming materials, leading to compromised insulation and connection strength, and require impractical outlet openings and hoses for gas discharge.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a venting channel and valve system that allows air to be discharged outside while preventing the foaming material from escaping, ensuring reliable embedding of the locking housing in the foam and reducing the risk of air pockets, with the valve designed to be self-closing once the material enters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking housing is surrounded by foamable material to ensure good insulation and reliable connection, then the insulation and connection strength are improved, but air pockets form around the locking housing due to incomplete displacement of air
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful air from the receiving space by providing a dedicated venting channel that allows air to escape during the foaming process. The venting channel is integrated into the locking housing, creating an extraction path that removes the harmful factor (air) without compromising the insulation or connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting channel acts as an intermediary element between the receiving space and the external environment. It mediates the foaming process by allowing air to escape while preventing foam material from leaking out, thus facilitating complete displacement of air without compromising the final insulation quality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If outlet openings and hoses are added to discharge gas during foaming, then air pockets are reduced, but the device complexity and manufacturing impracticality increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the venting function directly into the locking housing structure by integrating the venting channel within the housing walls. This eliminates the need for separate outlet openings and external hoses, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to discharge air effectively during foaming.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the locking mechanism, maintains insulation, and simultaneously acts as a venting structure through the integrated venting channel. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated air discharge components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the venting channel remains open during foaming, then air can be discharged completely, but the foaming material can escape through the venting channel
Solution Approach 1:
The venting channel incorporates a dynamic closure mechanism that adapts its state during the foaming process. The channel transitions from an open state (allowing air discharge) to a closed state (preventing foam leakage) based on the progression of the foaming process, optimizing both air displacement and material retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure mechanism in the venting channel exploits phase transitions or viscosity changes of the foaming material. As the foam material transitions from liquid to expanding foam state, the closure mechanism responds to these physical changes to automatically seal the venting channel, preventing material loss while maintaining air discharge capability during the critical foaming phase.
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
This solution enhances the insulation and connection strength by preventing air pockets and eliminating the need for additional outlet openings, providing a reliable and efficient method for embedding the locking device within the panel.
Implementation Method 1
a valve connected to the venting channel, which is designed in such a way that gaseous media can pass through it and casting material cannot pass through
Implementation Method 2
During production, this material is poured or foamed into a receiving space of the respective panel, where it then hardens. When foaming in, the gas in the panel, which is usually air, is displaced by the expanding foam
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking device (1) for locking two components, more particularly two panels (10) of a cooling chamber, having a locking housing (7) which can be encapsulated, particularly encapsulated in foam, and in which a locking element is arranged, wherein at least one venting channel (4) extending through the locking housing (7) is provided for carrying off gaseous media. The invention also relates to a component having a locking device (1) and a method for fastening a locking device (1) in a component.