Rotatable Plug Locking Pin Mechanism for Joinery Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for joinery products lack an efficient mechanism for both locking and unlocking without the need to remove the plug element, which can lead to loss and increased complexity in production and dismantling.
Innovation Solution
A locking device featuring a rotatable plug element with engagement means, including support and guide mechanisms, allows the locking pin to transition between locked and unlocked positions through rotation, eliminating the need for plug element removal, and is designed for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking pin is secured by removing the plug element, then the locking pin can be extracted, but the plug element may be lost during maneuvering and the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The plug element is designed to rotate between a first position where it supports the locking pin in an extracted state, and a second position where it supports the locking pin in a inserted state. This dynamic repositioning allows the locking pin to be secured in either extracted or inserted state without removing the plug element, preventing loss while maintaining operational ease.
2Reliability
If the plug element remains in place during locking pin manipulation, then the plug element is less likely to be lost, but the locking pin cannot be easily extracted
Solution Approach 1:
The plug element rotates to different positions to either support or release the locking pin. In the first position, it supports the locking pin in an extracted state; in the second position, it supports the locking pin in an inserted state. This dynamic behavior allows easy extraction when needed while retaining the plug element throughout the process.
3Reliability
If a mechanical locking element with rod-shaped component and insertion groove is used, then locking function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and dismantling is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into distinct functional components: the plug element with rotational capability, the locking pin with flange, and the support means. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reliable locking function and ease of dismantling.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug element's rotational capability introduces a dynamic element that replaces complex static mechanical interlocking. By rotating to different positions, the plug element controls the locking pin's state, simplifying the structure while achieving reliable locking and easy dismantling through positional changes rather than complex mechanical arrangements.
4Reliability
If the locking pin is supported by engagement means in one position but not in another, then the locking mechanism works, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support means is configured to provide support in a rotationally invariant manner. When the plug element rotates to different positions, the support means automatically adjusts to support the locking pin in the appropriate state (extracted or inserted) without requiring complex reconfiguration. This dynamic adaptability maintains reliable locking function while minimizing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device for a joinery product is provided, the locking device including a locking pin, and a rotatable plug element. The plug element has at least one engagement means configured to interact with the locking pin such that in a first rotation state of the plug element, the locking pin is positionable in a first position, and in a second rotation state of the plug element, the locking pin is positionable in a second position, different from the first position.