Rotary Locking Mechanism for Low-Force Vessel Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking mechanisms for coupling vessels to trailers require significant force to release the lock, especially when the vessel's weight is high, and lack operability improvements.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism with a latching member and a locking member that are rotatably coupled to a base, featuring elastic bodies to urge them into engagement and unlock positions, and a design that allows the locking member to rotate without interfering with the latching member, facilitating easy release and automatic re-locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking mechanism uses a pawl to regulate rotation of the latching element, then the lock can be maintained securely, but a large force is required to release the lock when the vessel weight is large
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent rotatable components: a latching member (with hook) and a locking member (with regulation portion). The latching member engages with the engaged member to provide secure locking, while the locking member independently regulates the latching member's rotation. This segmentation allows the locking function and the regulation function to operate independently, reducing the effort needed to release the lock.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulation function is extracted from the traditional pawl mechanism and implemented as a separate locking member that rotates independently. The locking member's regulation portion can engage with or disengage from the latching member's receiving surface, providing rotational control without requiring forceful manipulation of the entire locking assembly.
2Ease of operation
If the locking member is designed to rotate from lock position to unlock position, then the operation becomes easier, but the latching member may interfere with the locking member during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
Both the latching member and locking member are designed to rotate about fixed rotation axes. The locking member can dynamically transition between lock position and unlock position by rotating, while the latching member remains independently rotatable. This dynamic design allows smooth operation without mechanical interference between components during the unlocking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulation portion of the locking member acts as an intermediary between the locking mechanism and the latching member. When the locking member rotates to the unlock position, the regulation portion disengages from the latching member's receiving surface, mediating the release of the lock without causing interference between the rotating components.
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 provides improved operability by allowing easy release of the lock regardless of the vessel's weight and automatic re-locking, enhancing usability and reducing the effort required for operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic body urging the latching member toward the engagement release position
Implementation Method 2
a second elastic body urging the locking member toward the lock position
Data Source
AI summary
A locking mechanism includes a base with a notch, a latching member with a hook and a first receiving surface, and a locking member with a lever and a regulation portion. The latching member is rotatable between an engagement position and an engagement release position. The locking member is rotatable between a lock position and an unlock position. The regulation portion does not interfere with the latching member when the locking member is rotated from the lock position toward the unlock position.