Multi-Hook Housing Locking Mechanism for Explosion Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices can explode due to breakdown, causing shrapnel to fly away and potentially harm humans, and existing solutions do not adequately address this risk.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism with first and second hooks, a movable member, and a driving member that connects two housings, allowing the first housing to be securely affixed to the second housing even after explosion, using engaging recesses and hinges to manage the separation and reconnection of the housings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional locking mechanism is used to connect two housings, then the structure is simple, but the housing may separate violently during an explosion causing physical harm
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple independent hooks (first hook and second hook) arranged in sequence. Each hook can independently engage with corresponding recesses, so if one hook fails during an explosion, the other hooks continue to provide restraint, preventing violent separation of the housings.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed in advance to handle explosion scenarios. The multiple hooks are positioned and dimensioned beforehand to ensure that even if one hook breaks, the remaining hooks can still restrain the housing movement, cushioning the impact and preventing shrapnel from causing harm.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple hooks are used to prevent housing separation during explosion, then the safety improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first hook and second hook are integrated into a single locking mechanism assembly that connects the two housings. They work together as a unified system, sharing the load and providing redundant safety without requiring completely separate locking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Each hook has specific local characteristics - the first hook engages with a first recess and the second hook engages with a second recess. The hooks are positioned at different locations along the housing connection interface, providing localized restraint points that collectively prevent violent separation.
3Strength
If the hooks are arranged along the first direction to connect housings, then the connection strength improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single long engagement feature requiring high precision, the connection is segmented into multiple discrete hook-recess pairs. Each pair has its own engagement points, distributing the precision requirements across multiple locations rather than requiring one perfectly aligned feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The hooks extend beyond what is minimally required for engagement, with the second hook positioned further along the first direction than the first hook. This excessive extension provides tolerance for manufacturing variations while still achieving secure engagement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A locking device for connecting a first housing to a second housing is provided, wherein the first housing and the second housing are arranged along a first direction. The locking mechanism includes a first hook, a second hook, a movable member, and a driving member. The first hook and the second hook are affixed to the first housing, and respectively have a first engaging recess and a second engaging recess. The first engaging recess and the second engaging recess are arranged along the first direction. The movable portion has an engaging portion. The driving member is connected to the second housing and the movable member, and is configured to drive the movable member to move relative to the second housing. When the first housing is affixed to the second housing via the locking mechanism, the engaging portion is accommodated in the first engaging recess.