Self-locking Vacuum Cabin Door Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cabin door mechanisms face issues with sealing failure due to insufficient pneumatic or hydraulic pressure over time, requiring continuous cylinder pressure to maintain the door in a closed position, and existing solutions either complicate the operation or increase structural dimensions and costs.
Innovation Solution
A self-lockable opening and closing mechanism using a driving cylinder to move a linkage mechanism, which automatically generates a locking force to hold the vacuum cabin door in place by transferring reaction forces through a system of levers, bars, and valve rods, eliminating the need for continuous pressure and simplifying the operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder is used to move the vacuum cabin door, then the door can be moved between open and close positions, but continuous pressure is required to maintain the closed position, leading to wear and sealing failure over time
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism is pre-configured with specific geometric relationships (contained angle θ between 170°-190°, parallel alignment of axes) so that when the driving cylinder retracts, the mechanism automatically generates locking force through the valve rod pressing against the door panel, without requiring continuous pressure application
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own reaction force during the closing action to automatically lock itself in position. The linkage mechanism converts the driving cylinder's motion into a self-sustaining locking state where the door's reaction force against the frame is transferred through the linkage to maintain sealing pressure, eliminating the need for continuous external pressure
2Reliability
If pneumatic or hydraulic pressure is continuously applied to keep the door closed, then the door remains sealed, but the system becomes prone to wear and pressure insufficiency over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the continuous pneumatic/hydraulic pressure maintenance system with a mechanical linkage mechanism that uses geometric constraints and force transmission to automatically maintain the door in a locked, sealed position. The linkage mechanism with its specific angle and parallel alignment creates a self-locking effect that eliminates the need for continuous fluid pressure
3Reliability
If a linkage mechanism with contained angle and parallel alignment is used, then automatic locking force is generated without continuous pressure, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transfers the driving cylinder's motion to move the door, generates automatic locking force through its geometric configuration, and maintains sealing pressure without requiring additional components. The valve rod, sliding block, and linkage elements work together to achieve both door actuation and self-locking in a unified mechanism
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
Ensures reliable vacuum sealing without additional power, maintaining the door's locked position even if the driving cylinder leaks or loses pressure, reducing operational complexity and structural costs.
Implementation Method 1
a driving cylinder mounted at the base portion within the frame and comprising a reciprocatable driving shaft
Implementation Method 2
a horizontal lever fixedly connected to the driving shaft, at least one first bar each having one end thereof pivotally connected to the horizontal lever
Implementation Method 3
the imaginary axis extending through the second pivot hole and third pivot hole of each rotational lever and the axis of the respective second bar define a contained angle θ within the range of 170° ̃190°... the reaction force will be linearly transferred through the at least one valve rod, the at least one sliding block, the at least one second bar, the at least one rotational lever and the at least one adjustment block to the top panel of the frame, preventing the component parts and the vacuum cabin door from working and assuring positive locking
Data Source
AI summary
A self-lockable opening and closing mechanism includes a frame, a vacuum cabin door, a driving cylinder mounted in the frame, and a linkage mechanism formed of a horizontal lever, one or a pair of first bars, one or a pair of rotational levers, one or a pair of adjustment blocks, one or a pair of second bars, one or a pair of sliding blocks and one or a pair of valve rods and coupled between the driving cylinder and the linkage mechanism in such a manner that operating the driving cylinder drives the valve rods to move the vacuum cabin door between an open position and a close position, and a locking force is automatically produced to hold the vacuum cabin door in the close position against any reaction force, preventing the problem of failure or reduced effect in vacuum sealing.