Shutter Door Shuttle Locking Mechanism Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shutter door systems for delivery vehicles, such as the CENTADRIVE® system, are bulky due to the external location of the locking mechanism, which limits their integration into smaller vehicles and complicates maintenance, as they cannot be easily disassembled without damaging the drive belt.
Innovation Solution
The shuttle system relocates the locking mechanism to a transverse plane within the channel, allowing a slimmer design, enabling the shuttle to be disassembled in situ without damaging the drive belt, and incorporates a pivotable engaging means and biasing elements to facilitate easier packaging and operation, with a releasing mechanism outside the shuttle for convenient disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the locking mechanism is mounted on the outside of the shuttle, then the locking function is secure, but the shuttle height increases and cannot be disassembled easily
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is nested within the shuttle body, with the locking pin received in a recess of the engaging means that is located inside the shuttle. The engaging means is positioned within the channel for the drive belt, creating a nested arrangement where the locking function is integrated into the shuttle's internal structure rather than mounted externally.
Solution Approach 2:
The shuttle is divided into separable components including the engaging means with locking mechanism, the drive belt channel, and the releasing means. The engaging means can be disassembled from the shuttle body by actuating the releasing means, allowing the locking mechanism to be accessed and serviced without removing the entire shuttle from the track.
2Length of stationary object
If the drive belt thickness is reduced to decrease shuttle height, then the shuttle becomes slimmer, but the drive belt strength is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The channel for the drive belt is designed with specific local dimensions and structural characteristics that provide optimal support and engagement for the drive belt. The channel's cross-sectional geometry and positioning within the shuttle are optimized to distribute loads appropriately, allowing the use of a thinner drive belt while maintaining sufficient strength through improved local structural quality rather than simply increasing overall thickness.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D
AI summary
The invention provides a shuttle for moving along a track in a first direction to open a shutter door and in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, to close the shutter door. The shuttle comprises a locking mechanism for switching between an engaged position where the shuttle is engaged with a drive belt and a disengaged position where the shuttle is disengaged from the drive belt, such that movement of the shuttle along the track by the drive belt can only occur when in the engaged position. A channel is provided for the drive belt to run through. The locking mechanism is located in a transverse plane of the shuttle, the transverse plane being within the height of the channel.