Ratchet Column Locking With Contactless Bolt Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ratchet column locking mechanisms in racks for storing workpieces are complex, space-consuming, and require manual intervention, making them unsuitable for fully automated handling and efficient space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism where the last ratchet's rotary movement engages a bolt into a recess, using a rotary movement to secure the ratchet in the working position, with contactless unlocking via a magnet or manual actuation, minimizing space usage and enabling automated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to the ratchet column to secure ratchets during transport, then the reliability of the system is improved, but the device complexity and space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the existing ratchet structure. The bolt is integrated into the ratchet column and works in conjunction with the ratchet's rotational movement, eliminating the need for separate locking components. The latch mechanism combines multiple functions (locking, unlocking, and positioning) into a single integrated assembly that attaches to the side wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt is nested within the ratchet column structure, with its axis extending between the side walls. The latch mechanism is positioned within the lateral space of the ratchet column, utilizing the existing structural envelope. The recess in the side wall provides a nested receptacle for the bolt's end portion, creating a compact nested arrangement.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with thrust elements and guide blocks is used, then the reliability of ratchet fixation is improved, but the space consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex thrust element and guide block mechanisms from prior art are extracted and replaced with a simpler bolt-latch system. The bolt serves as the primary locking element, eliminating the need for separate thrust elements. The latch provides the necessary guidance and locking function in a more compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using protruding elements that extend outward to provide locking (as in prior art), the solution uses a recess in the side wall to receive the bolt's end portion. This inverted approach allows the locking mechanism to be contained within the ratchet column's lateral dimensions rather than extending outward.
3Ease of operation
If manual locking operations are required, then the ease of operation is reduced, but the extent of automation is not compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the ratchet's own rotational movement. As the ratchet rotates into its working position, the bolt is automatically driven into the locked position by the ratchet's motion, eliminating the need for separate manual locking operations. The system uses the ratchet's operational movement to perform the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual manipulation of thrust elements and guide blocks is replaced with a mechanical system that automatically engages through the ratchet's rotation. The bolt-latch mechanism converts the rotational motion of the ratchet into automatic locking action, providing both automated operation and ease of use.
Data Source
AI summary
In an automatically operable rack for storing workpieces in ratchet columns with side walls (1.1, 1.2), between which movable ratchets (5) are arranged which serve to hold the workpieces, wherein the ratchets (5) can be brought from a rest position into a working position in which they hold the workpiece, and a locking/unlocking unit is assigned to the last ratchet (5.2), the locking being affected by a rotary movement of the last ratchet (5.2) into its working position, the rotary movement of the last ratchet (5.2) entrains a bolt (9) which is received by a recess (12, 49) when the working position is reached.