Rotatable Chain Lock for Angular Adjustment in Limited Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chain locks are inconvenient in limited spaces due to fixed end ring positions, which restrict angular adjustment of the chain span.
Innovation Solution
A chain lock design featuring a rotatable part with a metal seat embedded in a plastic shell, allowing the rotatable part to be mounted to the main body and rotated relative to it, enabling the chain to be adjusted by any angle, with a cylinder biased by a compression spring and a plug with a tailpiece for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the end rings of the chain are fixed at opposite positions on the lock body, then the chain lock structure is simple and stable, but the angular span between the two end rings cannot be adjusted, making it inconvenient for use in limited spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the rotatable part capable of rotation relative to the main body. The rotatable part includes a metal seat with an annular groove that can rotate around the first channel, allowing the chain's angular span to be adjusted dynamically. This resolves the contradiction by enabling angular adjustment (improving adaptability) while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure (minimizing complexity increase).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the lock body into a stationary main body and a rotatable part that can independently move. The rotatable part contains the second channel and the annular groove, separating the fixed function (main body structure) from the adjustable function (rotatable component). This segmentation allows angular adjustment without requiring complete structural redesign, thus improving adaptability while controlling complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable part is added to enable angular adjustment of the chain, then the adaptability to limited spaces is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable part is designed to rotate freely around the first channel within a certain range, providing dynamic adaptability to different spatial configurations. This single rotational degree of freedom achieves angular adjustment without requiring multiple moving parts or complex mechanisms, thus improving adaptability while limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable part serves multiple functions: it provides angular adjustment capability, maintains the chain connection function through the second channel, and integrates the annular groove for locking functionality. By combining multiple functions into a single rotatable component, the patent improves adaptability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If the engagement ball is received between the arcuate groove of the tailpiece and the through hole of the cylinder, then the locking mechanism is secure, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement ball automatically moves between the arcuate groove of the tailpiece and the through hole of the cylinder based on the rotational position of the plug. When the plug rotates to the locked position, the engagement ball is forced into the annular groove of the metal seat through the interaction between the tailpiece and cylinder, providing self-locking functionality. This self-service mechanism improves reliability without requiring additional actuating components, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement ball acts as an intermediary element between the tailpiece and the cylinder/metal seat. It transfers the locking action from the plug rotation to the final locked state by engaging with either the arcuate groove or the annular groove depending on the position. This intermediary mechanism provides reliable locking while using a simple spherical component rather than a complex interlocking system.
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 design allows for flexible angular adjustment of the chain lock, making it suitable for use in limited spaces while maintaining an effective anti-theft mechanism, and includes a cover to prevent dust from entering the keyhole.
Implementation Method 1
The cylinder is slidably fitted into the first channel of the main body and biased by a compression spring
Implementation Method 2
the plug can be rotated by a key to have the engagement ball moved into the annular groove of the metal seat provided in the rotatable part, thus closing the chain to tie or fasten an object
Data Source
AI summary
A chain lock includes a main body, a rotatable part, a cylinder, a plug provided with a tailpiece, and a chain. The main body defines therethrough a first channel and a second channel. The rotatable part defines therethrough a third channel. The rotatable part is rotatably mounted to the main body. The cylinder is slidably fitted into the first channel of the main body and biased by a compression spring. The plug together with the tailpiece is rotatably mounted in the cylinder. The chain includes a series of rings, one ring of which is located in the second channel of the main body and inserted through by the cylinder. In use, a second ring of the chain can be located in the third channel of the rotatable part to be inserted by the cylinder, and the plug can be rotated by a key to have the cylinder fixed in place.