Multi-Point Locking Mechanism With Guide Slot Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-locking closure devices require excessive force for closing and opening, and their complex design with multiple locking drives and different directional movements complicate automated processes and user handling.
Innovation Solution
The design features two guide devices with longitudinal slots that deflect the main locking element's horizontal movement into vertical movements, allowing independent control of additional locking elements through separate drive parts, reducing force requirements and simplifying the locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single locking rod is used to control multiple locking elements, then the device complexity is reduced, but the force required for operation increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple independent locking rods (first locking rod, second locking rod, etc.), each controlled by separate drive parts. This segmentation allows the operating force to be distributed across multiple independent actuation points, reducing the force burden on any single actuator while maintaining control over multiple locking elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide slots are arranged at different orientations (first guide slot at first angle, second guide slot at second angle) relative to the locking element's movement direction. This angular arrangement transforms the linear movement of the locking element into multi-directional movement of different locking rods, enabling force distribution across different spatial dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different directional movements are used for different locking elements, then independent control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking rods are designed with identical or similar structural features, each having guide slots that can be oriented at different angles. This universal design allows the same basic component structure to serve multiple functions by simply changing the orientation of the guide slots, reducing the need for completely different mechanisms for each locking element.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide slots are arranged asymmetrically with different angles relative to the locking element's movement direction. The first guide slot has a first angle and the second guide slot has a second angle, creating asymmetric force distribution and movement paths that enable independent control of different locking elements while maintaining a symmetric overall structure.
3Device complexity
If force is concentrated on a single locking rod, then the device structure is simplified, but the operating smoothness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is segmented into multiple separate drive parts, each responsible for actuating a specific locking rod. This segmentation distributes the mechanical load and allows each drive part to operate independently, resulting in smoother operation as the force application is distributed across multiple points rather than concentrated on a single rod.
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 enables easier and more efficient multi-point locking with reduced force needed for operation, allowing for smoother automated processes and simplified user handling by dividing force during closing and opening movements and enabling identical construction of additional locking elements.
Implementation Method 1
The guide device has a slope, wherein the attachment piece overcomes the slope on the way of the main locking element from the closed position to the open position
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A self-locking locking device with a main locking bolt element that automatically moves into a locked position when activated on the strike plate side, wherein the main locking bolt element comprises a drive element for a multi-point locking drive that drives at least two additional locking bolt elements of at least one additional locking device at a spatial distance from the main locking bolt element, wherein the drive element interacts with a drive device for at least one additional locking bolt element, is characterized in that the drive device comprises a first drive part and a second drive part, wherein the drive element interacts with the first drive part for a first additional locking bolt element and with the second drive part for a second additional locking bolt element, and a movement of the first drive part and the second drive part is synchronized with a movement of the main locking bolt element.