Pivotable Force Transmission Element for Reliable Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for energy storage devices in electrical energy distribution are mechanically complex and expensive, with issues in precise alignment and reliability due to articulated suspensions and complex linear movements.
Innovation Solution
A pivotably mounted force transmission element with an angle lever, coupled to a drive shaft or secondary switch via lever kinematics, ensures a compact and reliable locking mechanism by aligning the force transmission element's movement at an angle to the pushbutton's movement, allowing for a multifunctional and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking slide is articulated and longitudinally movable, then the form fit can be interrupted, but the mechanism becomes mechanically complex and requires additional guide means
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into functionally independent components: the push button assembly, the force transmission element, and the form-fit interrupting means. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without requiring complex interactions, thereby reducing overall mechanical complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a longitudinally movable articulated locking slide as in prior art, the invention inverts the approach by using a pivotably mounted force transmission element whose movement direction is changed by the form-fit interrupting means. This inversion eliminates the need for complex guide means and articulated suspensions.
2Reliability
If the locking slide is articulated, then the form fit can be interrupted, but precise alignment becomes difficult and additional guide means are required
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmission element is designed to be pivotably mounted rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position during operation. This dynamic mounting eliminates the need for precise static alignment that would be required for an articulated locking slide, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining reliable form-fit interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The form-fit interrupting means acts as an intermediary between the push button assembly and the discharge trigger. It mediates the movement transmission by changing the direction of movement of the force transmission element, thereby eliminating the need for precise alignment between components that would be required in a direct articulated connection.
3Reliability
If a linear movement is used to lift the form fit, then the locking can be interrupted, but the mechanism becomes mechanically complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the dimension of movement from linear (as in prior art) to rotational/pivoting movement. The force transmission element is pivotably mounted and its direction of movement is changed by the form-fit interrupting means, transforming a complex linear mechanical arrangement into a simpler rotational mechanism that achieves the same locking interruption capability.
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
The solution provides a reliable and compact locking mechanism that prevents unintended discharge of energy storage devices, avoiding complex mechanical arrangements and ensuring secure operation by eliminating positive connections between the pushbutton and discharge trigger.
Implementation Method 1
a pushbutton (2) which, when the locking mechanism (1) is in an unlocked position, is coupled by means of a force transmission element (4) to a discharge trigger (10) for discharging the energy storage device
Implementation Method 2
a return spring (21) which holds the driver (16) of the angle lever (17) in an upper position
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
In order to provide a locking mechanism (1) in order to prevent a force store from being discharged in the case of a switch in the field of electrical power distribution having a pushbutton (2) which, when the locking mechanism (1) is in an unlocked position, is coupled by means of a force transmission element (4) to a discharge initiator (10) for discharging of the energy store via an interlock, such that a switching-on movement acting on the pushbutton (2) can be introduced via the force transmission element (4) into the discharge initiator (10) in order to relieve the load on the force store, with the force transmission element (4) being connected to interlock interruption means (9, 17) which are designed to move the locking mechanism (1) to a locked position in which the interlock is cancelled, with the pushbutton (2) and the force transmission element (4) being guided in the unlocked position such that they move in a common longitudinal direction, such that a pushing movement of the pushbutton (2) can be introduced into the switching-on initiator (10) via a longitudinal movement of the force transmission element (4), which locking mechanism (1) is mechanically compact and operates reliably, it is proposed that the force transmission element (4) be mounted such that it can pivot such that, in a locked position, a movement direction of the force transmission element (4) is aligned at an angle to the pushing movement of the pushbutton (2), with the interlock interruption means (9, 17) being coupled to a drive shaft (11) of the switch and/or to an auxiliary switch.