Ring Binder Travel Bar Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ring binder mechanisms do not positively lock closed ring members together, leading to unintentional opening when accidentally dropped, and require operator intervention to lock the mechanism, which can result in failure to secure the pages.
Innovation Solution
A ring binder mechanism with a travel bar and intermediate connector system that automatically locks the ring members in the closed position using a biasing member, allowing for easy transition between locked and unlocked states without requiring manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If springs are used to automatically move the locking structure into position when ring members close, then the reliability of locking is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure is designed to automatically engage with the hinge plates when the ring members close, using the natural closing motion itself to trigger the locking action. The travel bar moves automatically as part of the closing motion, and the locking elements engage without requiring separate actuation, making the system self-locking and eliminating the need for additional springs or complex actuation mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a control slide connected to the lever is used to position the locking structure, then the locking function is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the operator must positively move the lever to lock the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure automatically engages when the ring members close, using the closing motion itself to trigger the locking action. The travel bar moves automatically as part of the closing motion, and the locking elements engage without requiring separate actuation, making the system self-locking and eliminating the need for additional spring mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are positioned in advance on the travel bar, and the travel bar's path is designed so that normal closing motion automatically brings the locking elements into engagement with the hinge plates before the closing is complete. This preliminary positioning ensures locking occurs automatically as part of the closing sequence.
3Ease of operation
If the housing spring force is reduced by adding locking structure, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure uses the natural closing motion of the ring members to trigger automatic engagement. The travel bar is connected to the closing mechanism so that its movement is driven by the closing force itself, and the locking elements engage automatically without requiring additional springs or complex actuation systems.
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 mechanism ensures that the ring members remain securely locked in the closed position, preventing unintentional opening and reducing the operator's effort required to open and close the mechanism, enhancing reliability and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is engageable with the intermediate connector and at least one of the travel bar and actuator for biasing the travel bar toward the locked position
Implementation Method 2
the hinge plates pivot through this position, they deform the resilient housing and cause a spring force in the housing that urges the hinge plates to pivot away from the coplanar position
Data Source
AI summary
A ring binder mechanism includes a housing, a ring support, and rings for holding loose-leaf pages. Each ring includes a first ring member and a second ring member that are moveable between a closed position and an opened position. An actuator is mounted on the housing for moving the ring members from the closed position to the opened position. A travel bar has at least one locking element and is moveable between a locked position wherein the ring members are locked in the closed position and an unlocked position wherein the ring members are capable of being moved to the opened position. An intermediate connector operably connects the travel bar to the actuator. A portion of the intermediate connector is captured by and moveable with a wide section of a mounting groove in the travel bar so the intermediate connector can move relative to the travel bar.