Locking Device Spindle Rotary Assembly Torque Drive

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional locking mechanisms require a key to apply torque, making them inconvenient for locking and unlocking.

Innovation Solution

A locking device with a latch, spindle, and rotary assembly that allows external torque to drive the spindle rotation, enabling the latch to lock or unlock the object, featuring limit assemblies and a resetting mechanism for secure operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a key is used to drive the spindle to lock the object, then the locking function is achieved, but the operation becomes troublesome and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionVSAvoidoperation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the key from the locking system by providing a spindle that can be directly driven by external torque without requiring a key. The spindle is made detachable from the latch, allowing it to be driven independently by torque from various sources (manual rotation, motor, etc.), thereby eliminating the need for a key while maintaining reliable locking function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The spindle is designed with multi-functionality: it can be detachably connected to the latch for driving the bolt, and simultaneously can be directly driven by external torque without a key. This universal design allows the same spindle to accommodate different operating methods (manual rotation, motor drive, etc.), improving ease of operation while maintaining locking reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the spindle is detachably connected to the latch for direct torque drive, then operation convenience is improved, but the risk of accidental release increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation convenienceVSAvoidlocking security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing a limit assembly that prevents the spindle from rotating beyond a predetermined angle. This limit assembly (comprising a limit shaft and position-limiting member) is configured to stop the spindle before it can disengage from the latch, thereby preventing accidental release while allowing convenient operation within the safe rotation range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The limit assembly acts as an intermediary between the spindle and the latch. It mediates the interaction by allowing the spindle to rotate freely within the safe range for convenient operation, while simultaneously preventing excessive rotation that would cause accidental release. The limit shaft and position-limiting member work together as an intermediary mechanism to ensure both convenience and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a limit assembly is added to prevent spindle release, then locking security is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The limit assembly is designed with local quality by focusing the limiting function on specific components (limit shaft and position-limiting member) rather than redesigning the entire locking mechanism. The limit shaft is rotatably connected to the latch body, and the position-limiting member is selectively engageable with the spindle, creating a localized solution that adds minimal complexity while providing effective security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The limit assembly uses a position-limiting member that can be selectively engaged or disengaged from the spindle. When not needed, the position-limiting member can be discarded (disengaged) to allow full spindle rotation, and when security is needed, it is recovered (engaged) to prevent excessive rotation. This selective engagement reduces overall device complexity by allowing the limit function to be activated only when necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 convenient locking and unlocking without the need for continuous key operation, ensuring secure engagement and disengagement of the lock.

Implementation Method 1

a torsion spring disposed at the end of the rotary assembly and at a side of the toggle block adjacent to the rotary assembly, the torsion spring resets the toggle block when the external torque is removed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic potential energy storage and release: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

two limit blocks are provided on a sidewall of the limit body for limiting a circumferential rotation of the limit protrusion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11781340B2Locking device
Publication Date: 2023.10.10 XIANG DEZHAO
  • US11781340B2 patent drawing
  • US11781340B2 patent drawing
  • US11781340B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A locking device comprises a latch, a spindle and a rotary assembly. The latch is fixed to an object to be locked for engaging with a bore of a strike; the latch has a bolt which locks the object. One end of the spindle is detachably connected to the latch to drive the bolt to move towards or away from the bore. The rotary assembly is disposed at the other end of the spindle, which comprises a cylinder body and a rotary body, the cylinder body is rotated by the rotary body as it rotates, wherein one end of the rotary assembly is provided with a spindle driving means engaged with the other end of the spindle to drive the spindle to rotate. The rotary assembly drives the spindle to rotate via the spindle driving means, and the spindle drives the bolt to move approaching the bore to realize locking.