Locking Mechanism with Rotating Clamp for Secure Door Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door lock mechanisms, such as espagnolettes, often lack secure external operation and fail to provide a tight, rattle-free arrangement in enclosures with thin sheet metal, especially in electrical or mechanical equipment environments.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism comprising an actuator and a locking clamp with guide means that enables a combination of linear and rotational movement to engage a locking element on a door frame, ensuring precise and secure locking by compressing the door tightly, while minimizing energy loss and gaps that cause rattling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional espagnolette with double acting twist technology is used, then the arrangement is simple and provides two locking points, but it cannot provide secure external operation and does not ensure a tight connection in enclosures with thin sheet metal
Solution Approach 1:
The locking clamp is designed to perform a combination of linear movement (along the first axis when actuator is pushed) and rotational movement (around the first rotational axis) to achieve engagement. This dynamic two-stage movement allows the clamp to approach the locking element linearly first, then rotate into final engagement position, enabling secure external operation while ensuring tight connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible coupling between the actuator and locking clamp acts as an intermediary mechanism that transforms the linear motion of the actuator into the combined linear and rotational motion of the locking clamp. This intermediary allows the operator to engage the lock from outside while the mechanism internally coordinates both movement types to achieve reliable engagement.
2Reliability
If the locking clamp engages with friction during locking, then engagement is achieved, but energy loss increases due to friction
Solution Approach 1:
The guide means performs a preliminary linear movement that brings the locking clamp close to the locking element before final rotational engagement. By completing the approach movement first and then rotating into engagement, the system minimizes the distance over which friction acts during the critical engagement phase, reducing energy loss while ensuring reliable contact.
3Ease of operation
If gaps are present in the locking arrangement, then the mechanism has movement tolerance, but rattling occurs and connection tightness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement process is segmented into two distinct phases: linear approach movement and rotational final engagement. The guide means separates these movements into different stages, allowing the clamp to first position itself linearly with tolerance, then rotate into precise engagement. This segmentation maintains operational ease while eliminating rattling through precise final positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a locking mechanism for arrangement on a door, the locking mechanism (1) comprising an actuator (10), arranged to be linearly movable along a first axis (Y). The locking mechanism further comprises a locking clamp (20) for engaging a locking element (50) on a door frame. The locking clamp (20) may be flexibly coupled to the actuator (10) so that, when the actuator (10) is moved along the first axis, the locking clamp (20) may move linearly along the first axis (Y) and rotate around a first rotational axis (A) to admit engagement to the locking element. The present invention further relates to a locking system (100) comprising such locking mechanism (1).