Adjustable Shielding Pole Mounts for Secure Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine safeguard solutions are expensive and energy-consuming, lacking flexibility and failing to meet legal requirements for secure locking mechanisms without the need for specialized tools.
Innovation Solution
The device features upper and lower encircling mounts on poles that interact with the wall element's frame for secure snapping and locking, using a lock device with inner and outer parts that require a specific influence to unlock, allowing for adjustable positioning without machining the poles and enabling secure, flexible shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional machine safeguard solutions are used with protrusions far below the centre of gravity and lock devices at upper parts, then secure locking is achieved, but the cost increases due to machining and special tools required
Solution Approach 1:
The wall element is designed to be movable during installation, transitioning from an unstable readiness position to a locked position. The centre of gravity is positioned to enable automatic locking through gravitational force when the element is tilted into place, eliminating the need for complex machining and special locking tools while maintaining secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism utilizes the wall element's own weight and centre of gravity position to automatically engage the lock. The protrusions and recesses are positioned such that when the wall element is tilted into its operational position, gravity causes the protrusions to snap into the recesses, providing self-locking without requiring external tools or complex machining.
2Adaptability or versatility
If aluminium profiles with undercut slots are used for vertical adjustment, then flexibility is improved, but material cost and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The position of the recesses in the poles can be vertically adjusted to change the mounting height of the wall element. This parameter adjustment provides flexibility in positioning without requiring expensive aluminium profiles with undercut slots, as the recess positions can be modified directly in the pole structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution replaces expensive aluminium profiles with a more cost-effective pole structure that achieves the same flexibility. The poles with adjustable recess positions provide the necessary adaptability without the high material cost and environmental impact of aluminium production.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the wall element centre of gravity is positioned above the support point, then stable equilibrium is achieved, but the locking mechanism becomes less secure and may be unlocked by mistake
Solution Approach 1:
The wall element is designed with asymmetric positioning of the centre of gravity relative to the support point. The centre of gravity is positioned horizontally offset from the vertical support line, creating a stable equilibrium that also ensures the protrusions engage securely with the recesses. This asymmetric design prevents accidental unlocking while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall element transitions from an unstable readiness position to a stable locked position through a dynamic movement. During installation, the element is tilted until the centre of gravity passes the support point, at which moment the protrusions snap into the recesses and the element settles into a stable equilibrium that prevents backward movement or accidental unlocking.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for attachment of a surface shaped wall element (4) between two upright poles (1), which has two positions for said wall element (4), an unstable readiness position and a locked position. At least one encircling mounting (6a, 6b) is provided on the respective pole (1) for support of said wall element (4).