Locking Piece Assembly Manual Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lock assemblies require numerous machined parts for assembly, making the manufacturing process lengthy and expensive, and often necessitate machine assistance.
Innovation Solution
A simplified lock assembly for latch bolt mechanisms using a minimal number of parts, comprising a locking piece with a connecting hook and a lock button, allowing for manual assembly without machine aid, where the hook is inserted into the lock button aperture and pivoted to secure in place, enabling engagement and locking of the mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional lock assemblies use multiple machined parts, then the locking mechanism is reliable, but the manufacturing process becomes lengthy and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate lock components into a single integrated locking piece with a connecting hook. This consolidation reduces the number of parts from multiple machined components to one unified piece, eliminating the need for complex assembly operations while maintaining the reliability of the locking mechanism through careful design of the integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking piece is designed with distinct functional segments: a locking end for engaging the locking mechanism and a connecting hook for attachment to the lock button. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while being manufactured as a single piece, improving productivity without sacrificing reliability.
2Reliability
If traditional lock assemblies use multiple machined parts, then the locking mechanism is reliable, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple machined parts into a single locking piece, the patent reduces manufacturing complexity and material waste. The integrated design allows for more efficient production processes, reducing the number of machining operations, assembly steps, and quality control checkpoints, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while preserving the reliability of the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting hook is designed to self-align and self-secure with the lock button aperture through a simple insertion and pivoting motion. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex fastening operations, specialized tools, or skilled labor, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while ensuring reliable connection.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional lock assemblies require machine assistance, then the assembly precision is high, but the assembly process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting hook is designed with geometric features that guide it into proper alignment with the lock button aperture during manual insertion. The hook's shape and the aperture's configuration work together to ensure precise positioning without requiring machine assistance, maintaining high assembly precision while simplifying the assembly process to a straightforward manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting hook acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the locking piece and the lock button. Its design includes features that facilitate easy engagement and secure connection through simple manual manipulation, reducing assembly process complexity while ensuring precise and reliable connection between components.
4Ease of manufacture
If the lock assembly uses fewer parts, then the manufacturing cost decreases, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single locking piece is segmented into distinct functional zones: the locking end with engagement features for the locking mechanism, the connecting hook for button attachment, and the body connecting these elements. This internal segmentation allows the piece to perform multiple functions while remaining a single manufacturable component, reducing manufacturing cost without requiring complex multi-part structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the locking piece have locally optimized features: the locking end has precision engagement surfaces for reliable locking, the connecting hook has geometric features for easy manual attachment, and the body provides structural support. This local quality approach allows each region to be optimized for its specific function while being manufactured as a unified piece, balancing simplicity with functional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking piece assembly adapted for installation in a cylindrical lock and meant to engage a locking mechanism comprises a locking piece and a lock button. The locking piece has one end adapted to engage the locking mechanism and an opposite end with a connecting hook. The lock button has an aperture adapted for attachment to the locking piece connecting hook, and can be depressed to move the locking piece inward to engage the locking mechanism after the locking piece assembly is installed in the cylindrical lock. The lock button can be installed onto the locking piece by hand, specifically by inserting the connecting hook into the aperture on the lock button, pivoting the lock button with respect to the locking piece, and placing the locking piece and lock button into alignment. After installation, the connecting hook is held in place to prevent separation from the lock button aperture.