Pivoting Locking Mechanism for Data Center Space Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking mechanisms for data centers require significant space and have high production costs due to the need for a reserved space for extension rods, resulting in lower space usage efficiency and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism with an actuating unit pivotally connected to vertically-disposed side plates, featuring a pivot member and latching member that rotates parallel to the side plates to reduce space requirements, allowing for a sliding member to be locked and easily drawn out, thereby enhancing space-saving and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an extension rod is used in the conventional locking mechanism to enhance operational convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but space required for the mechanism increases and space usage efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the extension rod component from the locking mechanism, extracting the unnecessary element that consumed space. The actuating unit is redesigned to operate directly without requiring an extension rod, thereby eliminating the need for reserved space while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the actuating rod outward to improve operability, the patent inverts the approach by having the actuating unit rotate in parallel to the side plate within the confined space. This reverses the conventional design logic of outward extension and achieves operability through internal rotation.
2Ease of operation
If a reserved space is allocated for the extension rod in the conventional locking mechanism, then ease of operation is improved, but space usage efficiency and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating unit is designed to rotate dynamically in parallel to the side plate rather than extending linearly. This dynamic rotation allows the mechanism to operate within the confined space of the sliding member without requiring a fixed reserved space, thereby improving space usage efficiency while maintaining operational convenience.
3Area of stationary object
If the actuating unit rotates in parallel to the side plate, then space required is decreased and space usage efficiency is improved, but device complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuating unit's rotation function with the locking mechanism's existing structure. The actuating unit integrates the pivot member, connection rod, and locking member into a single coordinated system that rotates in parallel to the side plate, merging multiple functions into one compact mechanism rather than adding separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking mechanism for applying in a computer case is disclosed. The locking mechanism comprises: an actuating unit and a locking member. The actuating unit is pivotally connected to one of two vertically-disposed side plates of the computer case by one end thereof, and comprises a pivot member and a latching member. In the present invention, the actuating unit rotates along a first direction parallel to the vertically-disposed side plate, so as to decrease space required by operating the locking mechanism. Such that the locking mechanism brought advantages of great space-saving, high capacity and low cost of production cost.