Self-Locking Safety Lock Decoupling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for safety-relevant movable components, such as protective doors or flaps, lack self-locking mechanisms, leading to unintentional unlocking during drive failures or external stress, and often prevent emergency access when the drive is malfunctioning.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking drive mechanism with a planetary gear and spindle drive is used, allowing decoupling between the actuator and locking part, enabling safe and controlled movement to the release position, even without power, and incorporating an emergency actuation for manual release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a self-locking gear arrangement with worm gear and toggle lever assembly is used, then unintentional unlocking is prevented, but emergency actuation becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into two independent pathways: a self-locking drive pathway for normal operation and an independent emergency actuation pathway. The emergency actuation mechanism is physically separated from the self-locking gear arrangement, allowing it to function independently without being constrained by the self-locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The emergency actuation uses a intermediate mechanical pathway that bypasses the self-locking worm gear and toggle lever assembly. This intermediary mechanism directly transfers force from the emergency actuator to the locking pin, avoiding the self-locking components that would otherwise prevent emergency operation.
2Ease of operation
If a non-self-locking gear arrangement is used, then emergency actuation is possible, but unintentional unlocking occurs during drive failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent functional segments: the self-locking drive mechanism for normal secure operation and the emergency actuation mechanism for crisis situations. Each segment operates independently with its own force transmission pathway, allowing both functionalities to coexist without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The emergency actuation mechanism serves as an intermediary pathway that bypasses the self-locking components. When activated, it creates an alternative force transmission route from the emergency actuator directly to the locking pin, independent of the worm gear and toggle lever assembly.
3Volume of moving object
If a planetary gear and spindle drive are used, then compact design is achieved, but complexity of the gear mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The planetary gear mechanism and spindle drive are merged into a single integrated assembly where the planetary gear set directly drives the spindle. This combination eliminates the need for separate transmission stages and reduces the overall volume of the drive mechanism while maintaining the self-locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gear mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides gear reduction, enables self-locking, and drives the spindle for linear actuation of the locking pin. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall device structure.
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 solution prevents unintentional unlocking during drive failures and allows for safe emergency access by ensuring the locking pin can be moved to the release position independently of the drive, while maintaining secure locking when powered.
Implementation Method 1
a planetary gear and a spindle drive that can be driven by the planetary gear and move the actuator between advanced and retracted switch positions
Implementation Method 2
a planetary gear and a spindle drive that can be driven by the planetary gear and move the actuator between advanced and retracted switch positions
Implementation Method 3
a self-locking drive controlling adjustment movements of the blocking part between the locking position and the release position
Implementation Method 4
can be decoupled from the blocking part to move it into the release position independently of the drive
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for locking or releasing a safety-relevant, movable component (2), such as a protective door, protective flap, or the like, in a controlled manner, comprising a movable blocking part (51) and a self-locking drive (5, 17, 19, 21, 23, 27) that controls setting movements of the blocking part (51) between a locking position and a release position. Said device is characterized in that an actuator (33) that can be moved by the drive (5, 17, 19, 21, 23, 27) is provided, which actuator is mechanically coupled to the blocking part for a transfer of the blocking part (51) into the release position effected by the drive (5, 17, 19, 21, 23, 27) and can be uncoupled from the blocking part for a transfer into the release position effected independently of the drive (5, 17, 19, 21, 23, 27).