In-Wall Retractable Door Lock with Cylindrical Segmented Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locks for retractable sliding doors face issues with optimal and rapid locking/unlocking, stability, and sticking, leading to inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A lock design featuring a box-like structure with a cylindrical mechanism, including a pivot, receptacle, and elastically deformable elements, along with a tumbler and spring system, that allows precise coupling with a locator for stable open/closed conditions and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hook-shaped coupler lock is used for retractable sliding doors, then the locking mechanism can be integrated into the door frame, but the locking and unlocking operations are difficult to perform rapidly and easily, and sticking occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a cylindrical body with lateral movement capability, a hook element that can engage with a tooth, and a spring system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling rapid and reliable operation without sticking.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical body is designed to move laterally dynamically during the locking and unlocking cycle. This lateral movement creates the necessary clearance and alignment for the hook to engage or disengage from the tooth smoothly, eliminating sticking and enabling rapid operation.
2Reliability
If a conventional hook-shaped coupler lock is used, then the door frame structure can be maintained, but the locking is not particularly stable
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged into a compact cylindrical body that integrates the hook, spring, and lateral movement mechanism. This unified structure provides stable locking while maintaining simplicity in the overall door frame assembly, avoiding the need for complex separate components.
3Productivity
If rapid and easy locking/unlocking is achieved, then operational efficiency improves, but achieving optimal coupling precision with the locator becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spring system automatically positions the cylindrical body and hook element during the locking cycle, ensuring precise coupling with the locator without requiring manual adjustment or complex alignment mechanisms. This self-positioning capability maintains both speed and precision.
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
Enables rapid, stable, and stick-free operation with precise coupling, enhancing security and ease of use while maintaining structural simplicity and low cost.
Implementation Method 1
un foreseen way with the introduction of an elastically deformable element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A lock (1), particularly for in-wall frames of retractable sliding doors, which is constituted by a box-like containment structure (3) for a cylinder (6), which rotates in contrast with a radial means for selecting the position, on the lateral surface (10) of the cylinder there being first temporary engagement and retention means for a locator (16) that protrudes from an abutment frame (19) for the door, second means being also provided, which can be activated by the user, in order to turn the cylinder (6).