Rack-and-Pinion Steering Handle for Leaf Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current leaf locking and unlocking devices face issues with mechanical resistance, ergonomics, adaptability, and compatibility, particularly due to the interference of rotary mechanisms with reinforcement fins and lack of user-centric design.
Innovation Solution
A locking and unlocking device featuring a movable part with a handle, rack, and pinion system that allows for translational movement, enabling ambidextrous operation and adaptable locking/unlocking positions, combined with materials like steel and plastic for enhanced rigidity and ergonomics, and guide means for high resistance to tearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external rotary mechanism is used for locking and unlocking, then the locking function is achieved, but the rotary mechanism intersects with reinforcement fins causing mechanical interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a rotary movement (rotation around an axis) to a translational movement (linear displacement along a direction). The movable part moves vertically along guide means to actuate the locking member, changing the dimension of motion from rotational to linear, thereby avoiding intersection with the reinforcement fins while maintaining the locking function
2Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then locking is achieved, but ergonomics and adaptability to user needs are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the locking mechanism adaptable by allowing the movable part to be actuated in two directions (upward or downward translation). This dynamic flexibility enables users to choose the most comfortable operating direction, improving ergonomics while maintaining reliable locking function through the same translational actuation mechanism
3Strength
If reinforcement fins are added to prevent deformation, then resistance to sunlight deformation is improved, but the rotary mechanism intersects with these fins
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the motion dimension from rotational to translational, the patent allows the locking mechanism to operate alongside the reinforcement fins without intersection. The movable part moves vertically along guide means, utilizing the space between fins rather than rotating across them, thus preserving both the structural reinforcement and the locking function
4Strength
If a translational movement system is used, then mechanical resistance is improved, but device complexity increases due to guide means and rack-pinion mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The rack and pinion mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it converts the user's translational force into rotational motion to actuate the locking member, provides mechanical advantage for enhanced mechanical resistance, and guides the movable part's path through the rack's geometry. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while achieving high mechanical resistance
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 improved ergonomics, adaptability, and mechanical resistance, allowing users to easily and securely lock/unlock leaves with minimal mechanical effort, while ensuring durability and user-friendly operation.
Implementation Method 1
The first part (10) comprises a handle (11) and at least one rack (12a, 12b) in a cavity made inside the first part (10), the device comprising a second part (20, 30) comprising a rotatable element (14) configured to cooperate with the at least one rack (12a, 12b)
Implementation Method 2
The guide means chosen allow a very high resistance to tearing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The present invention relates to a locking and unlocking device (1) for a leaf (2), comprising a first part (10) movable following a translational movement between a first and a second position along a direction of translation and configured to be grasped manually by a user, the first position corresponding to the unlocking of the leaf (2) and the second position corresponding to the locking of the leaf (2), characterized in that the first part (10) comprises a handle (11) and at least one rack in a cavity made inside the first part (10), the device (1) comprising a second part comprising a rotating movable element (14) configured to cooperate with at least one rack, and a third part comprising a member (15) rotationally fixed to the movable element (14) and configured to cooperate with a blocking member of a leaf (2).