Locking mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking mechanisms in travel beds often suffer from unilateral locking or unlocking issues, preventing the bed from being properly folded or unfolded, and are structurally complex.

Innovation Solution

A locking mechanism with a locking body, connection members, and rotatable locking blocks, utilizing elastic elements and sliding slots to ensure simultaneous locking and unlocking of both sides, preventing unilateral states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a prior art locking mechanism with separate lock pins for each connection member is used, then the structure can be simple, but unilateral locking or unlocking occurs causing the travel bed to be unstable or不可折叠

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking stabilityVSAvoidunlocking operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate locking mechanisms into one integrated locking block with two locking members. When the unlocking button is pressed, both locking members are driven simultaneously to withdraw from their respective locking slots through the inclined slot mechanism, ensuring synchronized unlocking of both connection members and eliminating unilateral locking issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The inclined slot acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates the linear motion of the unlocking button into simultaneous angular motion of both locking members. This intermediary structure ensures that both locking members are actuated together, preventing the need for repeated button presses and improving operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple unlocking operations are required to achieve full unlocking, then the locking mechanism may be more secure, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidunlocking time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The inclined slot is pre-configured with a specific angle and geometry that automatically coordinates the withdrawal of both locking members during a single button press. This preliminary design ensures that the unlocking action is completed in one operation, eliminating the time loss associated with multiple pressing cycles while maintaining secure locking during normal use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a locking mechanism with rotatable locking block and elastic elements is used, then simultaneous locking of both sides is ensured, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous lockingVSAvoidlocking mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking block serves multiple functions: it houses both locking members, provides the rotatable connection between the two connection members, and incorporates the elastic elements for automatic engagement. This multi-functional design achieves simultaneous locking reliability without proportionally increasing complexity, as the rotatable block itself is a necessary component for the overall mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Stability of the object's composition

If the locking mechanism requires both connection members to be locked simultaneously, then the travel bed stability is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to precise alignment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetravel bed stabilityVSAvoidassembly precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The inclined slot is designed with a specific angle that creates a mechanical advantage, allowing both locking members to be engaged or disengaged simultaneously through a single actuating motion. This geometric design equalizes the loading and alignment requirements, making the simultaneous locking function achievable without excessive manufacturing precision while maintaining travel bed stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

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 stable locking and unlocking by requiring both sides to be locked simultaneously, simplifying the folding and unfolding process, and reducing structural complexity.

Implementation Method 1

所述弹性元件用于推动所述锁定构件自动锁定

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4049556B1Locking mechanism
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 GOODBABY CHILD PROD CO LTD
  • EP4049556B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4049556B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4049556B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A locking mechanism, comprising a locking body (3), a first connection member (6), and a second connection member (7), and further comprising a locking block (9) rotatably connected to the locking body, a first locking member (10) and a second locking member (11) disposed on the locking block, a first matching portion (61) formed on the first connection member and matching the first locking member, and a second matching portion (71) formed on the second connection member and matching the second locking member. When the first matching portion is locked with the first locking member and the second matching portion is locked with the second locking member, the locking block is fixed with respect to the locking body; when the first matching portion is separated from the first locking member or the second matching portion is separated from the second locking member, the locking block rotates with respect to the locking body. The locking structure avoids unilateral locking and is convenient for a user to use.