Pivotable Lock Member for Perpendicular Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock mechanisms in storage devices face challenges in maintaining a perpendicular orientation between the engaging surface and accepting portion, leading to reduced engaging force and increased operational noise, especially when the layout of components is not conducive to perpendicular alignment.
Innovation Solution
The lock mechanism incorporates a pivotable lock member with a cam mechanism and biasing member, allowing the engaging surface and accepting portion to form a plane perpendicular to the opening direction, reducing the movable space and size of the mechanism while enabling a high engaging force with a reduced push amount of the unlocking button.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lock member moves linearly to achieve locking or unlocking, then the locking function is achieved, but the movable space of the lock member increases and the size of the lock mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional linear movement of the lock member to a rotational movement about a lock pivot shaft. This inversion allows the lock member to achieve locking and unlocking through rotation rather than linear displacement, significantly reducing the movable space required while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the lock member's movement from one dimension (linear) to another dimension (rotational). By changing the dimension of movement from linear displacement to angular rotation about a pivot shaft, the mechanism achieves the same locking function with reduced space requirements.
2Reliability
If the lock member moves linearly to achieve locking or unlocking, then the locking function is achieved, but the pushed amount of the unlocking button must be increased leading to increased friction and operational noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the linear push motion of the unlocking button to a rotational motion of the lock member about a pivot shaft. This inversion allows the cam mechanism to convert the button's push motion into rotational movement, reducing the pushed amount required while maintaining effective locking engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a cam mechanism with curved surfaces that convert the linear push motion of the unlocking button into rotational motion of the lock member. The curved cam profile allows for reduced push distance by utilizing mechanical advantage through the curved geometry, thereby reducing friction and operational noise.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the opening direction and pushing direction of the unlocking button are largely apart, then the layout is more convenient, but the engaging surface and accepting portion cannot be made perpendicular leading to reduced engaging force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using rotational movement of the lock member about a pivot shaft rather than linear movement. This inversion allows the engaging surface and accepting portion to be positioned perpendicular to each other regardless of the opening direction and button push direction, maintaining maximum engaging force while accommodating convenient layouts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimension of the lock member's movement from linear to rotational, which allows the engaging surfaces to be oriented perpendicular to each other in a different spatial arrangement. This dimensional change enables the engaging force to be maximized while accommodating various button positions and opening directions.
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 configuration ensures reliable locking, reduces operational noise, and minimizes the size of the lock mechanism by allowing the engaging surface and accepting portion to be perpendicular without being affected by the layout, improving the operational feeling and engagement efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member for constantly biasing the lock member toward a locking direction
Implementation Method 2
a cam mechanism adapted to disengage the lock member from the accepting portion by a push of the unlocking button
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device 1 has a storage device body 2 and an opening and closing member 4, which are supported to be capable of pivoting about the center of opening and closing movement, the center being provided on one side. A lock mechanism13 is provided on the other side of both the storage device body 2 and an opening 3. The lock mechanism 13 is provided with a lock member 16, an unlocking button 17, a cam mechanism 18, and a biasing member 19. The lock member 16 is a pivotable member 22 capable of pivoting about a lock pivot shaft 21. The opening and closing member 4 has a pressure receiving portion 52 on the inner surface side thereof, and the pressure receiving portion 52 is pushed out in an opening direction 23 by the lock member 16 which is caused to pivot in an unlocking direction.