Refrigerator Locking Device with Automatic Height Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child safety locks are easily unlocked by babies, require both hands to operate, are inconvenient to use, prone to loss, and have complex structures and high costs with low operational reliability.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a simple design comprising a first lock block and a second lock block, featuring a tongue, clamping block, return spring, and pushing block, allowing one-handed operation and easy assembly, with an adjusting portion for height adjustment and a guiding surface for flexible fitting on various cabinet doors and bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the lock design is simple, then the manufacturing cost and assembly process are reduced, but the lock becomes easy for babies to unlock
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is divided into two separate lock blocks (first lock block with tongue, second lock block with clamping block), where each block performs a specific function. This segmentation allows for simpler individual components that are easier to manufacture while maintaining reliable locking through their cooperative interaction
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping block is received within the second lock block structure, and the tongue engages within the tongue channel of the second lock block. This nested arrangement creates a compact design with reliable mechanical engagement without requiring complex external structures
2Reliability
If the lock requires both hands to operate, then the security is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping block is designed to move dynamically along the sliding groove under the action of the return spring. When the tongue enters the tongue channel, it automatically pushes the clamping block to slide and engage, creating an automatic one-handed locking mechanism that maintains security without requiring two hands
3Reliability
If the lock structure is complex, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary complex components from traditional locking mechanisms. The core locking function is achieved through just two lock blocks with simple internal structures (tongue, tongue channel, clamping block, and return spring), removing redundant parts while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The return spring automatically returns the clamping block to its initial position after engagement, and the tongue automatically engages with the clamping block when the door is closed. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex control systems or multiple operating components, reducing overall device complexity
4Adaptability or versatility
If the lock needs to be removed when in use, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation and reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device incorporates an adjusting portion that allows the tongue to swing at a slight angle, enabling the same lock structure to adapt to different cabinet door configurations and height differences. This universal design maintains operational reliability across various applications without requiring removal or replacement of the lock
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 locking device effectively prevents children from opening cabinet doors, is easy to use, and adaptable to different cabinet sizes, ensuring reliable and convenient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping block (220), a return spring (230) and a pushing block (240); the accommodating cavity is internally provided with a tongue channel (211) which has an inlet (212); a sliding groove (213) is at least arranged at one side of the tongue channel (211), and the clamping block (220) is tensioned in the sliding groove (213) by the return spring (230)
Implementation Method 2
the first lock block is further provided with an adjusting portion which comprises a shaft portion (111) arranged on the base (110), a sleeve portion (121) arranged on the tongue (120), a shaft seat (130) and a tension spring (140); the shaft portion (111) is mounted on the shaft seat (130); the tongue (120) swings at a slight angle to the base (110) around the shaft portion (111) as an axis
Implementation Method 3
a wedge block is arranged at a front end of the clamping block (220), a sliding cavity is arranged on the body of the clamping block (220), and the sliding cavity comprises a stress surface (2221) and a sliding space (2222) opposite to the stress surface (2221)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a locking device and a refrigerator, wherein the locking device comprises a first lock block and a second lock block; the first lock block comprises a base and a tongue; the second lock block comprises an accommodating cavity, a clamping block, a return spring and a pushing block; the pushing block pushes the clamping block to slide in the sliding groove; and the tongue enters the tongue channel to be engaged with the clamping block so that the two lock blocks are engaged with each other. The locking device has the function of automatically adjusting the height difference between different cabinet doors and cabinet bodies, and is therefore more flexibly suitable for locking various cabinets or refrigerators.