Pneumatic Door Locking Mechanism with Deformable Bellows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking mechanisms for secure doors, such as safes and vaults, are mechanically complex, expensive, and space-intensive, requiring significant interior volume for bolt works which compromises usability.
Innovation Solution
A closure member moving device utilizing a fluid system with deformable containers and a connecting line, where the actuator varies storage and working volumes to move a locking element between positions, allowing for a cost-effective and space-efficient locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then security is ensured, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms with a pneumatic system consisting of a bellows, air channel, and locking element. The locking element is moved between locked and unlocked positions by pneumatic pressure applied through the air channel to the bellows, eliminating the need for traditional mechanical bolt works and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a pneumatic actuation system where compressed air is channeled through an air channel to expand a bellows, which in turn moves the locking element. This pneumatic mechanism provides a simpler, more reliable alternative to conventional mechanical locking systems while maintaining security functionality.
2Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then security is ensured, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By substituting expensive mechanical bolt works with a simpler pneumatic system comprising a bellows, air channel, and locking element, the patent reduces manufacturing costs. The pneumatic components can be produced more economically than precision mechanical assemblies while providing equivalent security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simpler, more cost-effective components such as a rubber bellows and basic pneumatic channels instead of expensive mechanical parts. These components can be manufactured at lower cost and are sufficient for the intended application lifecycle.
3Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then security is ensured, but volume of door increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking mechanism from the traditional location on the back of the door leaf and repositions it on the front surface. By placing the bellows, air channel, and locking element on the exterior front surface, the interior volume of the door is preserved, maximizing usable space while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention moves the locking mechanism to a different spatial dimension - from the interior back surface to the exterior front surface of the door. This dimensional relocation eliminates the space occupation issue inside the door while providing easy access for actuation through the air channel.
4Ease of manufacture
If simpler locking mechanisms are used, then manufacturing cost decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic system serves multiple functions: the bellows provides both the actuating mechanism and the sealing element, the air channel serves as both a pneumatic conduit and a structural feature, and the locking element integrates the locking and sealing functions. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the simplified components.
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, space-saving, and cost-effective locking mechanism that efficiently secures doors without the need for extensive interior space, enhancing usability and security.
Implementation Method 1
A locking element (15) which is displaceable between a first position and a second position and is coupled to the second container (7) such that a variation of the working volume of the second container (7) between the first and the second size displaces the locking element (15) from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 2a
AI summary
A closing element movement device (1) can comprise: a fluid system (3) with a first deformable container (5) which, depending on the degree of deformation of the first container, forms a storage volume that is variable between a first size (S) and a second size (S'), a second deformable container (7) which, depending on the degree of deformation of the second container, forms a working volume that is variable between a first size (A) and a second size (A'), a connecting line (9) which fluidly connects the first container (5) to the second container (7), and a working fluid contained in the fluid system (3), an actuating element (11) by means of which the first container (5) can be selectively deformed in order to vary the storage volume between the first size (S) and the second size (S'), and a closing element (15).which is movable between a first position (P) and a second position (P') and is coupled to the second container (7), wherein, when the storage volume of the first container (5) is varied by the actuating element (11), the working fluid is discharged from or introduced into the storage volume, thereby varying the working volume of the second container (7) and deforming the second container (7) to move the closing element (15) between the first position (P) and the second position (P').