Side Lock Rotor Retention Structure for Secure Rotation Restriction

Solution Overview

Problem

In existing side lock devices, the rotor's rotation is restricted by an engaging surface on the rotation restriction claw, which requires a large engaging surface but is difficult to secure due to the claw's design, leading to insufficient rotation restriction.

Innovation Solution

A lock device with a pivot and support hole configuration, where a retaining portion with a protruding portion passes through a cut-out in the rotation body, allowing the rotation body to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby securely restricting its rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the engaging surface on the rotation restriction claw is made large to restrict rotation, then rotation restriction is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase due to the claw's design constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation restrictionVSAvoidclaw structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation restriction function is segmented from the rotation restriction claw to a dedicated rotation restriction mechanism consisting of the rotation restriction protrusion and rotation restriction groove. This separates the locking function (performed by the claw) from the rotation restriction function (performed by the protrusion-groove engagement), allowing each component to be optimized independently for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation restriction protrusion and groove act as an intermediary mechanism between the rotation restriction claw and the rotor. Instead of relying solely on the claw's engaging surface to restrict rotation, this intermediate protrusion-groove structure provides additional rotational constraint, effectively distributing the rotation restriction function across multiple elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the engaging surface on the rotation restriction claw is enlarged, then rotation restriction capability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to design constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation restrictionVSAvoidclaw manufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation restriction function is segmented from the rotation restriction claw to a dedicated rotation restriction mechanism consisting of the rotation restriction protrusion and rotation restriction groove. This separates the locking function (performed by the claw) from the rotation restriction function (performed by the protrusion-groove engagement), allowing each component to be optimized independently for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation restriction protrusion and groove act as an intermediary mechanism between the rotation restriction claw and the rotor. Instead of relying solely on the claw's engaging surface to restrict rotation, this intermediate protrusion-groove structure provides additional rotational constraint, effectively distributing the rotation restriction function across multiple elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration securely retains and locks the rotation body relative to the first case, ensuring effective restriction of its rotation and reducing noise leakage.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing means configured to rotationally bias the rotation body in a first direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a retaining portion including a protruding portion configured to pass through the cut-out and being configured to retain the rotation body relative to the first case by causing the protruding portion to pass through the cut-out and thereafter causing the rotation body to rotate in a second direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical engagement: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

The first engaging surface and the second engaging surface are configured to engage with each other to form a temporary locking portion for temporarily locking the rotation body relative to the first case by restricting the rotation body from rotating in the first direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12276145B2Lock device for opening and closing body

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 PIOLAX INC

AI summary

There is provided a lock device for an opening and closing body, including: a locking portion; a locking member; a case including a first case and a second case; a rotation body; and a biasing means. A cut-out is provided, and a retaining portion is provided, the retaining portion including a protruding portion and being configured to retain the rotation body relative to the first case. A first engaging surface and a second engaging surface are configured to engage with each other to form a temporary locking portion for temporarily locking the rotation body. A cam means and a stopper are provided between the second case and the rotation body, the stopper being configured to engage with the rotation body so as to hold the rotation body with the first engagement surface and the second engaging surface disengaged from each other.