Press Lock Mechanism for Alignment-Free Stage Light Fixture Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stage light fixtures require simultaneous operation of the lock lever and lock plate to achieve locking or unlocking, which is inconvenient, especially at high altitudes where precise alignment is difficult.
Innovation Solution
A press lock mechanism with a lock lever and lock plate that allows automatic locking or unlocking without requiring alignment, utilizing an elastic retention member and guide block to switch the lock lever between locking and unlocking positions based on the position of the hook within a guide groove.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock lever and lock plate structure is used requiring alignment to lock or unlock, then the locking function is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates especially at high altitude
Solution Approach 1:
The lock lever is designed with elastic retention that automatically returns it to the locked position after being released. The operator only needs to press the pressing cap to release the lock, and the elastic retention member automatically restores the lock lever to its original locked state without requiring manual re-alignment or additional operations, making the system self-servicing.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the operator to actively align and insert the lock lever into the lock hole (traditional locking mechanism), the invention inverts the approach: the lock lever is spring-loaded to automatically seek and engage the lock hole position, and the operator only needs to apply force to release it. This reverses the active/passive roles in the locking process.
2Reliability
If simultaneous operation of lock lever and lock plate is required, then the locking mechanism functions properly, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the locking and unlocking operations into a single action. By combining the lock lever, elastic retention member, and pressing cap into an integrated mechanism, both locking and unlocking functions are achieved through one operational step (pressing the pressing cap), eliminating the need for separate alignment and operation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the alignment requirement from the operation process. The elastic retention member pre-positions and maintains the lock lever in the correct aligned position, removing the need for the operator to perform alignment operations. The pressing cap mechanism separates the releasing action from the alignment action.
3Reliability
If precise alignment between lock lever and lock plate is required, then the locking engagement is secure, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the locking mechanism by introducing elastic force. The elastic retention member provides a force parameter that actively drives the lock lever into the locked position, compensating for minor variations in alignment and reducing the need for high manufacturing precision in the alignment features.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic retention member performs preliminary action by continuously maintaining the lock lever in or near the correct locked position before operation is needed. This pre-positioning ensures that when the pressing cap is released, the lock lever is already optimally positioned for engagement, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment during operation.
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
Facilitates convenient operation of the lock lever independently of the lock plate alignment, allowing automatic locking or unlocking, enhancing usability and reducing the need for precise alignment.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic retention member configured to maintain the lock lever in a balanced position
Implementation Method 2
a guide block provided with a guide groove, the guide groove having an upper locking position and a lower locking position
Data Source
AI summary
A press lock includes a lock plate, and a locking member including a lower mounting plate, a pressing cap, and a lock lever. An elastic retention member configured to maintain the lock lever in a balanced position and a guide block with a guide groove are further included, where an end of a hook connected to the pressing cap is received in the guide groove. When the end of the hook is located at a lower locking position of the guide groove, the pressing cap acts on the elastic retention member to allow the lock lever to move downwards to fit with the lock plate, and when the end of the hook is located at an upper locking position of the guide groove, the lower mounting plate acts on the elastic retention member to allow the lock lever to move upwards and disengage from the lock plate.