Quick-Release Locking Assembly With Adjustable Latching Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure arrangements often require tools for connection and disconnection, provide insufficient closure force, are not flexible, and may require complex movement sequences, leading to inefficiencies and increased part counts for multiple functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A closure arrangement featuring a reversible locking mechanism that enables positive locking between components, allowing for secure connection and flexible latching depths without tools, using form restraints and interlocking mechanisms for quick assembly and disassembly, and optionally incorporating elastic elements for repeated use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a closure arrangement uses tools for connection and disconnection, then the closure force can be high, but the time required for closing or opening increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The closure arrangement is divided into two independent functional elements: a closure element that provides form locking with high closure force, and a separate locking mechanism that prevents opening. This segmentation allows the closure to achieve high force without requiring tools for the opening prevention function, reducing overall operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the closure function (form locking) and the locking function (opening prevention) into a single integrated closure arrangement. The locking mechanism is positioned between the closure surfaces and works together with the form locking to provide both high closure force and tool-free operation.
2Loss of time
If a closure arrangement allows tool-less opening, then the operation time is reduced, but the closure force becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The closure arrangement separates the closure function (handled by the closure element with form locking) from the locking function (handled by the dedicated locking mechanism). This allows the closure element to provide sufficient closure force through form locking while the locking mechanism prevents opening without requiring tools, thus maintaining both high force and quick operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a closure arrangement uses a firm stop like snap hooks or rivets, then the connection is secure, but flexibility for changing conditions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be reversible and adjustable, allowing the closure arrangement to adapt to different conditions. The locking element can be positioned at different locations along the locking path, enabling flexible adjustment of the locking depth and position while maintaining secure connection when locked.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a closure arrangement uses a flexible stop like a cable tie, then adaptability to changing conditions is improved, but the locking force increases with greater overlap making constant closing force impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses a locking element that can be positioned at different locations along a defined locking path, changing the positional parameter to achieve different locking depths. This allows flexible adaptation while maintaining consistent locking force through the mechanical geometry of the locking element and its interaction with the locking surface.
5Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are used to fulfill different required tasks, then all functions are achieved, but the device complexity and part count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closure arrangement integrates multiple functions into a single system: the closure element provides form locking and closure force, while the locking mechanism provides opening prevention and reversible locking. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing part count and overall device complexity.
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 secure, tool-free connection with adjustable locking force and depth, enabling efficient assembly and disassembly, reducing part complexity and allowing for multiple uses without damage, while maintaining a high closure force.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic element (43) which is arranged to be deformable between a locked position, in which the locking mechanism (4) is in the locked state, and an unlocked position, in which the locking mechanism (4) is in the unlocked state
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking arrangement with at least one, in particular reversible, locking mechanism (3) between at least two components (1, 2) to be joined. The two components (1, 2) are connected to each other in a locking direction (V) by means of the at least one locking mechanism (3) by means of a positive locking and/or positive locking, wherein the locking mechanism (3) is secured by means of at least one locking device (4) which is additionally provided between the two components (1, 2) and prevents the opening of the locking mechanism (3).