Railway Hatch Lock with Intermediate Stop Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hatch locks in the railway field lack control over the opening of hatches when actuated, leading to unintended movement and safety concerns due to spontaneous pivoting of the handle and bolt release.
Innovation Solution
A hatch lock design featuring a stop device with a flexible member and axial guide tunnel to maintain the handle in an intermediate position, allowing controlled movement and preventing accidental unlocking, while a toggle joint mechanism provides differential movement amplitudes between the handle and bolt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking member is actuated to release the handle, then the handle can pivot to open the hatch, but the handle pivots spontaneously without control and the bolt releases instantly
Solution Approach 1:
The stop device is engaged beforehand to control the handle's pivoting movement. When the locking member is actuated, the stop device gradually releases the handle, preventing spontaneous rapid pivoting and allowing controlled opening of the hatch.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop device acts as an intermediary between the locking member and the handle. It mediates the release process by controlling the handle's movement, preventing direct and uncontrolled pivoting while maintaining reliability and safety.
2Productivity
If the handle is allowed to pivot freely when unlocked, then the hatch can open quickly, but it becomes difficult to control the movement and the operator risks injury
Solution Approach 1:
The stop device is pre-positioned to control the handle's pivoting path. As the handle pivots during opening, the stop device gradually releases it, maintaining control throughout the movement while still allowing the hatch to open efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop device dynamically adjusts the handle's movement during operation. It transitions from a constrained position to a released position, allowing controlled motion that balances speed with operator safety and comfort.
3Ease of operation
If the locking member accidentally actuates, then the handle pivots automatically, but the hatch becomes free and remains unlocked
Solution Approach 1:
The stop device serves as an intermediary that prevents complete automatic release even if the locking member accidentally actuates. It controls the handle's movement and maintains engagement with the striker, preventing unintended unlocking while still allowing intentional opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop device provides a protective mechanism that cushions against accidental actuation. It ensures that even if the locking member is inadvertently triggered, the handle cannot fully pivot and release the bolt, maintaining safety through pre-established protection.
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
Enhances control over hatch opening and locking, ensuring the bolt remains engaged in the frame even when the locking member is accidentally actuated, providing safer operation and direct control over bolt movements.
Implementation Method 1
The locking member is equipped with a return spring intended to maintain the push-button in its position flush with the lever
Implementation Method 2
the lever is provided with a pivoting spring making it possible to cause the lever to pivot towards a direction substantially perpendicular to the casing
Implementation Method 3
said stop device comprises a flexible member secured to said housing, while said longitudinal bolt has a notch capable of receiving said flexible member
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The lock has a stop device to maintain a handle (16) in an intermediate position between a folded position and a spaced position in which the handle is spaced from a U-shaped transparent longitudinal case (12), after unlocking of the handle. A longitudinal bolt (14) has a notch i.e. concave blind orifice, to receive flexible indexing ball and helical spring for holding the bolt between an extended position in which the bolt is extended outside the case and a retracted position in which the bolt is retracted within the case. The device includes an axial guiding unit (68) mounted in the case.