Locking Device Segmented Spring Mechanism for Gentle Closure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices require high spring force to prestress locking elements, leading to excessive force requirements and potential damage to components when doors 'slam shut', making it difficult to achieve reliable high pretensioning without damaging other components.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a latch compression spring that is free of prestress in the open position, which is preloaded via a tensioning lever connected to the handle, allowing manual force transmission to achieve a low spring force for closing, and a secondary release plate with less pre-tension for gentle door closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high preload locking compression spring is used to reliably prestress the locking element, then the locking reliability is improved, but the force required for door closure increases excessively causing potential damage to components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent spring systems: a first locking compression spring for prestressing the locking element, and a second bolt compression spring for actuating the locking element. This segmentation allows each spring to be optimized for its specific function, enabling high locking reliability with moderate door closure force.
Solution Approach 2:
A trigger plate acts as an intermediary component between the door closure force and the locking element. The trigger plate converts the moderate door closure force into sufficient prestressing of the locking element through its mechanical advantage and geometric arrangement, eliminating the need for excessive direct force on the locking compression spring.
2Reliability
If a high spring force is applied to prestress the locking element, then the locking element can be reliably triggered, but other components such as the door frame may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmission path is segmented into two stages: first, the locking compression spring prestresses the locking element; second, the bolt compression spring actuates the locking element through the trigger plate. This segmentation ensures that high spring force is contained within the locking mechanism and does not transmit harmful forces to external components like the door frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger plate and its associated spring system serve as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs and manages the forces involved in triggering the locking element. By providing a controlled compliance mechanism, the system prevents excessive forces from being transmitted to vulnerable components during the locking process.
3Reliability
If the locking element is prestressed with a high spring force, then the closed position can be reliably achieved, but the door must slam shut which is acoustically perceptible and potentially damaging
Solution Approach 1:
The closing process is divided into two phases: first, the locking element is prestressed by the locking compression spring; second, the actual closing action is performed by the bolt compression spring through the trigger plate. This segmentation allows the door to close gently without slamming, as the bolt spring provides controlled actuation force rather than requiring the full locking spring force for closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static high-force spring system to a dynamic two-stage spring system. The first spring prepares the locking element in advance, while the second spring executes the closing action with controlled, lower force. This dynamic approach eliminates the need for acoustic slamming while maintaining reliable locking.
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
Enables high pretensioning of locking elements with low spring force, allowing doors to close gently and multiple locking elements to be reliably secured with consistent low release force, reducing the risk of component damage.
Implementation Method 1
a locking pressure spring (19), the locking pressure spring supporting the closing movement of the at least one locking element (9) has a first bias
Implementation Method 2
the handle (17) is connected to the locking compression spring (19) via a tensioning lever (27) and the tensioning lever builds up the prestressing of the locking compression spring (19) when the handle is rotated
Implementation Method 3
the clamping lever can be locked when it reaches a position that corresponds to the first preload of the locking compression spring (19)
Implementation Method 4
a trigger plate for triggering the closing movement of the at least one locking element has a second pre-tension which is less than the first pre-tension of the at least one locking element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A locking device (1) with a push button (17), a locking and opening mechanism (7) comprising at least one locking element (9), wherein the at least one locking element (9) can be moved from an open position to a closed position by means of a locking spring (19), characterized in that the locking spring (19) has a first preload to support the closing movement of the at least one locking element (9) in the open position, which can be generated by turning the push button (17).