Pawl Lock with Adjustable Receiving Device for Rail Profile Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pawl locks with eccentric bolts have limited adjustability, requiring multiple locking bearings and latches for different switch blade positions, leading to increased complexity and cost in manufacturing and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A pawl lock design where a displaceable receiving device, such as a plate or shaped sheet metal, is used above the locking pawl, allowing adjustment of the switch blade position relative to the lock bearing without shifting the pawl, enabling a single locking bearing type to accommodate various rail profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an eccentric bolt is used to adjust the locking pawl position, then the switch blade contact position can be adjusted, but the adjustment range is limited and the pivot point shifts causing the need for multiple locking bearing types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of switch blade positionVSAvoidcompatibility with different rail profiles
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving device is segmented into a fixed portion (integrated with locking bearing) and a displaceable portion (plate or shaped sheet metal). The displaceable portion can be adjusted independently along the longitudinal axis without affecting the locking pawl's pivot point, allowing position adjustment while maintaining compatibility across different rail profiles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A displaceable plate or shaped sheet metal acts as an intermediary between the locking bearing and the switch tongue. This intermediary component absorbs the adjustment requirement, allowing the locking bearing itself to remain in a fixed position relative to the rail profile, thus maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple locking bearings and latches are stocked for different adjustability requirements, then various switch blade positions can be accommodated, but the number of components and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage of different switch blade positionsVSAvoidnumber of locking bearing types
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single locking bearing type is designed to serve multiple functions by integrating a displaceable receiving device that can be adjusted to accommodate different switch blade positions. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple locking bearing variants, simplifying inventory and manufacturing.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving device is made dynamically adjustable through displaceable plates or shaped sheet metal that can be positioned along the longitudinal axis. This dynamic adjustment capability allows a single static locking bearing design to adapt to multiple installation situations, reducing the need for multiple component types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the locking pawl position is adjusted using an eccentric bolt, then contact position can be changed, but the relative distance between the anti-rotation device and lock carrier changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of pawl positionVSAvoidrelative distance between anti-rotation device and lock carrier
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment function is segmented from the locking pawl assembly to a separate displaceable receiving device. This segmentation allows the receiving device to be adjusted without moving the locking pawl or changing the relative distance between the anti-rotation device and lock carrier, maintaining system stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The displaceable plate or shaped sheet metal serves as an intermediary that absorbs the adjustment requirement. By positioning this intermediary component rather than the locking pawl itself, the critical geometric relationship between the anti-rotation device and lock carrier remains unchanged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 simplifies manufacturing and maintenance by allowing a single locking bearing type to be used for multiple rail profiles, reducing production costs and effort, while ensuring precise adjustment and mechanical locking.

Implementation Method 1

locking screws engaging in elongated holes provided in the breech block bearing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

at least one eccentric disk. This eccentric disk can advantageously be provided on the axis of the round bolt, which is used for the pivotable mounting of the pawl

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP2703249B1Pawl lock with adjustable lock bearing
Publication Date: 2017.04.26 SIEMENS SCHWEIZ AG
  • EP2703249B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The closure (22) has a closure pawl (10) mounted at a closure bearing (24). A screw (21), a displaceable plate (26) and a shaped plate connect a switch tongue with the closure bearing and are displaceably arranged in a head portion of the closure bearing. The screw and the plates are displaceably arranged above the closure pawl. The displaceable plate is guided in the head portion by fixing screws (30) that engage with oblong holes (28) in the closure bearing. An eccentric disk finely adjusts the shaped plate in a displacement direction.