Parallel-Pivot Power Generator for Compact Locking Devices

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional locking devices with power generators and wireless transmitting parts are bulky and complex, leading to increased costs due to the need for additional assemblies and space for pivotal movements perpendicular to the tongue insertion direction.

Innovation Solution

A locking device design where the power generator's operation member is pivotally moved in a plane parallel to the tongue insertion direction using the horizontal movement caused by the tongue's insertion, eliminating the need for additional assemblies and simplifying the configuration by avoiding perpendicular pivotal movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the power generator is designed to generate electric power by utilizing pivotal movement in a plane perpendicular to the tongue insertion direction, then the power generation function is achieved, but the thickness and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation functionVSAvoidthickness of locking device

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional design approach by changing the direction of pivotal movement from perpendicular to parallel with the tongue insertion direction. This inversion allows the operation member to be driven directly by the horizontal movement of the tongue, eliminating the need for additional space in the thickness direction while maintaining power generation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the power generation mechanism with the existing tongue insertion motion. The operation member is designed to pivot in the same plane as the tongue insertion, combining the locking action and power generation action into a single integrated mechanism rather than requiring separate mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Use of energy by moving object

If the power generator is designed with additional assemblies for perpendicular pivotal movement, then the power generation function is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation functionVSAvoidnumber of assemblies

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The operation member serves multiple functions: it acts as both the locking mechanism component and the power generator input. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated components solely for power generation, reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This design reduces the thickness and complexity of the locking device, lowering costs while maintaining effective power generation and wireless signal transmission for monitoring the locking state.

Implementation Method 1

a power generator fixedly provided in the main body, wherein the power generator has an operation member, and wherein the power generator generates electric power by utilizing external force applied from the tongue guiding and discharging member through the operation member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3415031B1Locking device

Publication Date: 2020.11.11 MITSUMI ELECTRIC CO LTD

Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4

AI summary

A locking device 1 includes a main body 2, a locking member 3 for locking a tongue 200, a lock releasing operation member 22 operated for releasing the lock of the tongue 200, a tongue guiding and discharging member 41 slid along an insertion direction of the tongue 200 in the main body 2 to guide the tongue 200 until the locking member 3 locks the tongue 200 and discharge the tongue 200 from the main body 2 when the lock of the tongue 200 is released, a power generator 5 having an operation member 53 pushed by the tongue guiding and discharging member 41 and pivotally moved in a plane parallel to the insertion direction of the tongue 200 when the tongue 200 is inserted into the main body 2 and generating electric power by utilizing external force applied through the operation member 53 and a wireless transmitting part 7 driven by the electric power generated by the power generator 5.