Radar Locking Assembly for Blind Mounting of Heavy Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking assemblies for heavy and bulky components, such as vehicle control radars, fail to provide a robust and secure fastening method that can be easily implemented in a manual and blind manner, especially when the components are large and heavy, and require assistance due to their size and weight.
Innovation Solution
A locking assembly comprising a first and second plate with an end stop and a movable lock, featuring a strike and attachment system with a blocking groove and chamfer, allowing for secure locking and unlocking without visual assistance, and utilizing a return mechanism for ergonomic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screw-fastening means are used to secure a heavy and bulky component to a support, then the component can be fastened to the support, but the fastening is not solid and robust enough for heavy components
Solution Approach 1:
The lock is designed to be movable in translation along the locking direction, transitioning between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic mechanism provides robust fastening when locked while maintaining simple operation through manual actuation, resolving the contradiction between fastening strength and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock integrates multiple functional elements within a compact structure, including the strike, blocking groove, and interaction with the end stop. This nested design achieves strong fastening capability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If an operator fastens a heavy component high up on a tripod, then the component is secured in position, but the operator cannot see the locking assembly and must work in a blind manner
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is designed to be self-indicating through the mechanical interaction of its components. The end stop prevents over-travel and provides tactile feedback, while the lock's movement between locked and unlocked positions can be felt by the operator. This eliminates the need for visual confirmation, allowing blind operation at height.
Solution Approach 2:
The design creates a mechanical state where the locked position is clearly defined by the engagement of the lock with the strike and the positioning of the end stop. This mechanical equipotential state provides unambiguous feedback to the operator regardless of visual conditions.
3Force
If a locking assembly is designed to be manually operable, then it can be easily used by an operator, but it cannot provide sufficient locking force for heavy and bulky components
Solution Approach 1:
The strike acts as an intermediary element between the manually operated lock and the plates. The lock engages with the strike, which is mounted on the second plate, allowing manual operation to generate sufficient locking force through mechanical leverage. The strike translates small manual movements into secure locking engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the end stop that prevents plate separation, the strike that provides the locking surface, and the movable lock that engages these elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide strong manual locking.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking assembly configured to lock a vehicle control radar with respect to a support, including a first plate which is configured to be fixedly mounted on one of the support and the vehicle control radar and which has a first face; a second plate configured to be fixedly mounted on the other one of the vehicle control radar and the support, the second plate including a second face configured to be placed facing the first face of the first plate; an end stop configured to prevent the first plate from moving in translation with respect to the second plate in a first direction along a locking direction; and a lock which is separate from the end stop and which is movable in translation along the locking direction, the lock being configured to prevent the first plate from moving in translation with respect to the second plate in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction.