Planar Rotary Latch Lock for Rail Vehicle Doors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotary latch locks for vehicle doors are bulky and complex, consuming excessive space due to their design, which is a challenge in rail traffic where doors have high dead weight, leading to safety hazards and noise pollution.

Innovation Solution

A compact rotary latch lock design where the rotary latch element, first joint element, and second joint element are arranged in a common plane, sharing the same thickness, allowing for a space-saving arrangement and simplified assembly, with a joint arrangement that transmits movement between the actuating unit and the rotary latch element, enabling efficient locking and unlocking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If traditional rotary latch locks are used for vehicle doors, then the locking function is achieved, but the installation space required is excessively large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple locking components (rotary latch element, joint elements, actuating unit) into a single integrated assembly that operates as one compact unit. The joint arrangement merges the actuating mechanism with the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for separate bulky components and reducing overall installation space while maintaining the locking function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent arranges components in a planar configuration within a common plane, utilizing two-dimensional space efficiently rather than requiring three-dimensional volume. The rotary latch element, first joint element, and second joint element are all positioned in the same plane, creating a flat, space-saving design that fits into limited door edge spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If heavy door leaves are used in rail vehicles, then the locking function is achieved, but the moment of inertia increases causing safety hazards and noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor locking reliabilityVSAvoiddoor leaf weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional heavy mechanical locking systems with a lighter rotary latch mechanism that uses rotational movement and joint elements instead of massive locking levers and over-center mechanisms. This substitution maintains locking reliability through the engagement of the rotary latch element with the catch bolt while significantly reducing the weight and moment of inertia of the moving door components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3805496B1Rotary latch lock for a door system
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 BODE - DIE TUR GMBH
  • EP3805496B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3805496B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3805496B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a rotary latch locking mechanism for a door system, in particular for a swing-sliding door system of a rail vehicle or motor vehicle, comprising a rotary latch element (1) rotatably mounted on a base plate (2) and configured to assume an open position (A) and a locked position (B), having a recess (3) for receiving a catch bolt (4) belonging to the door system in the locked position (B) and a rotary latch crank area (5) opposite the recess (3); an actuating unit (6) configured to trigger a movement of the rotary latch element (1) from the open position (A) to the locked position (B) and vice versa;A joint arrangement (7) provided between the rotary latch element (1) and the actuating unit (6), which is configured to transmit the movement triggered by the actuating unit (6) to the rotary latch (1), comprising a first joint element (8) rotatably mounted on the base plate (2) and having a first joint receptacle (9), and a second joint element (10) arranged between the first joint element (8) and the rotary latch element (1). It is characterized in that the rotary latch element (1), the first joint element (8) and the second joint element (10) are arranged in a common plane and have essentially the same thickness.