Retractable Panel Locking Mechanism for Pivot-Slide Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing enclosure systems with pivoting and sliding panels are limited by the door panel being fixed to one end, hindering panel stacking and passage, and lack a mechanism to seamlessly transition between pivoting and sliding functions.
Innovation Solution
A retractable locking device with a bistable actuating mechanism that allows the pivoting panel to lock in a stable position for pivoting or retract to a stable position for sliding, using a housing with a straight channel and orthogonal axis movement for the locking element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the door panel is fixed to one end of the enclosure system, then the panel stacking and passage are simplified, but the door panel cannot function as both a door and a sliding panel
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device incorporates a movable locking element that can dynamically transition between a locked position (enabling pivoting motion) and an unlocked position (enabling sliding motion). This dynamic mechanism allows the door panel to adapt its function based on the locking element's position, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity by providing multiple operational modes through a single integrated device.
2Ease of operation
If the door panel is not located at one of the ends, then the enclosure system can accommodate the panel in the middle of the section, but the door panel hinders the passage of other panels and they cannot be stacked conveniently
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device enables the door panel to be positioned anywhere along the rail while maintaining ease of operation for other panels. When the locking element is in the locked position, it prevents the door panel from sliding, allowing other panels to pass freely or stack at the ends. When unlocked, the door panel can slide to any position along the channel. This dynamic locking mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing location flexibility without compromising operational ease.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a locking mechanism is added to enable transition between pivoting and sliding functions, then the panel versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed as a multi-functional component that integrates both pivoting and sliding capabilities within a single mechanism. The housing with its transverse channel and the movable locking element create a universal device that can accommodate both operational modes without requiring separate mechanisms. This resolves the contradiction between versatility and complexity by providing multiple functions through a unified, space-efficient design.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is configured to be movable along an axis orthogonal to the channel, allowing it to automatically transition between locked and unlocked positions based on the desired panel operation. The mechanism serves itself by using the same structural elements (housing, channel, locking element) to provide both locking and guiding functions, reducing the need for additional complex components while maintaining versatility.
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 the pivoting panel to function as a door or slide along the track seamlessly, preventing breakage and ensuring smooth operation by guiding the panel's movement based on the locking element's position.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arranged axially inside the bushing, where the spring rests at one end on the lower base of the bushing, and at the other end rests on the rotor, so that the rotor moves towards the base of the bushing away from the main body against the action of the spring
Implementation Method 2
in a lower section of the bushing, the rotor can rotate. The bushing and the rotor are configured so that in an angular position of the rotor in that lower section, the rotor is engaged with the bushing, preventing its upward movement
Implementation Method 3
the rotor has ramps configured in such a way that they can slide in contact with a surface of the ramps inside the cylindrical bushing, such that in an angular position of the rotor, when the rotor is in the lower section, the rotor is locked in the corners
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The present invention refers to a retractable locking device (1) for pivoting and sliding panels of enclosures. The device comprises: a main body (2) with a housing (3) for receiving a pivoting element (5) of an enclosure panel (6) and with a straight channel (4) passing transversely through the main body (2), a locking element (7) and an actuating mechanism (8) for activating the locking element (7) for producing the axial displacement thereof along said orthogonal axis (Z). The actuating mechanism (8) is configured to move between two stable positions, an upper stable position in which it positions the locking element (7) in the straight channel (4) blocking passage therethrough, and a lower stable position in which it positions the blocking element (7) outside the straight channel (4), freeing the passage therethrough.