Push-Push Mechanism with Heart Curve Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 'push-push' mechanisms require significant installation space and are prone to damage due to the use of hooks and locking elements, which can break easily, leading to increased costs and reliability issues.

Innovation Solution

A device with a receptacle and locking part that uses a heart curve and guide element, where the locking part is displaced transversely, and a spring device or permanent magnets to manage the locking mechanism, allowing for efficient use of space and robust operation, with optional electromagnet control for enhanced functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional hook-based locking mechanism is used, then the component can be reliably locked in closed position, but the device requires significant installation space and the locking elements are prone to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: a locking element with a heart-shaped curve on one component, and a corresponding guide element on the other component. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently and reduces the overall space required compared to a single integrated hook mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a hook that engages a recess (traditional approach), the invention inverts the concept by using a locking element that projects outward with a heart-shaped curve that engages with a guide element. This inversion allows for a more compact design while maintaining reliable locking functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If a hook-based locking mechanism is used, then the component can be held in closed position, but the locking elements can easily break after repeated use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking functionalityVSAvoidlocking element durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism uses dynamic interaction between the heart-shaped curve and guide element, allowing smooth engagement and disengagement movements. This dynamic design reduces stress concentrations and prevents the brittle failure that occurs in traditional hook mechanisms subjected to repeated loading cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The heart-shaped curve incorporates smooth curved surfaces that distribute contact forces evenly during engagement and disengagement. This curvature eliminates sharp stress concentration points that would otherwise lead to cracking and failure of the locking elements under repeated use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If sufficient installation space is provided for the hook mechanism, then the locking mechanism can function properly, but costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanism functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element with the heart-shaped curve and the guide element are designed to work together in a compact arrangement, merging the locking and guiding functions into a closely integrated system. This reduces the overall installation space required and consequently lowers manufacturing costs compared to traditional hook mechanisms that require more space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 compact, reliable, and cost-effective mechanism for moving components between open and closed states, reducing the risk of damage and maintaining functionality even without power, as it relies on mechanical and magnetic forces for operation.

Implementation Method 1

the locking element being held in the receptacle against the force of a spring device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a spring device or permanent magnets to manage the locking mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3033464B1Device with push-push mechanism

Publication Date: 2019.01.02 DR SCHNEIDER KUNSTWERKE GMBH

Figure 1
Figure 2a~2f
Figure 2g~2k

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (10), comprising a mechanism for transferring a component (70) from an open state to a closed state and vice versa. The device (10) has a locking part (12), which is movably supported in a receptacle (14) and protrudes from the receptacle (14) by a first extent (W1) in an open state of the component (70) and by a second extent (W2) in a closed state and is accommodated in a component receptacle (16). The locking part (12) is accommodated in the receptacle (14) against the force of a spring device and has a heart-shaped curve (18), in which a guide element (20) is movably supported, which guide element can be moved transversely to the displacement direction (68) of the locking part (12). The locking part (12) has a slope (40) on the side facing away from the receptacle (14), and the component receptacle (16) has a corresponding slope (42), which slopes are in contact with each other in the closed state of the component (70) and can be moved in relation to each other, wherein a first edge (82) of the component receptacle (16) extends at an offset with respect to a second edge (84) of the component receptacle (16).