Single-Drive Closure Lock With Self-Locking Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for laboratory centrifuges and other devices are complex and require multiple drives, making them difficult to operate and unreliable under high loads and crash energies.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking closure lock mechanism that uses a single drive with a first form-fitting engagement and a second positive or non-positive connection to mediate movement, ensuring the lock remains secure without external power, even under high vibrations and crash energies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple drives are used to secure locking and blocking functions, then reliability under high loads is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines locking and blocking functions into a single drive mechanism. The drive simultaneously performs both locking (securing the closing element) and blocking (preventing unintended opening) through integrated mechanical components, eliminating the need for separate drives while maintaining reliability under centrifugal loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The single drive is designed to perform multiple functions: it actuates the closing element for locking, provides blocking against unintended opening, and enables self-locking through form-fitting engagement. This multi-functional design reduces device complexity while ensuring reliable operation under high loads.
2Reliability
If a gear wheel meshing system is used for form-fitting engagement, then movement transmission is achieved, but self-locking capability is lost under high crash energies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of high crash energies and vibrations into a beneficial self-locking effect. When crash energies or vibrations occur, the form-fitting engagement between the drive and output is strengthened, automatically enhancing the locking reliability without requiring additional complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a conventional gear wheel meshing system that allows movement transmission in both directions, the patent inverts the approach by using form-fitting engagement that primarily prevents movement transmission, enabling self-locking while allowing controlled actuation during normal operation.
3Device complexity
If manual latches are used for securing lids, then structural simplicity is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates under centrifugal conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the single drive system. The drive automatically performs locking and blocking functions without requiring complex manual manipulation, making operation easier while maintaining structural simplicity suitable for centrifugal conditions.
4Ease of operation
If the second form-fitting connection is present in blocked state, then movement transmission is enabled, but self-locking is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic engagement characteristics where the second form-fitting connection between drive and output is designed to disengage automatically when blocking force is applied. This dynamic behavior enables easy actuation during normal operation while automatically transitioning to a self-locking state under blocking conditions, ensuring both operability and reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~2a
Figure 2b~2c
AI summary
The present invention relates to a closure lock (30), in particular to the lock (30) of the lid (56) of a laboratory centrifuge with the housing of the laboratory centrifuge. The closure lock (30) according to the invention enables a particularly effective, resilient and secure lock (30) that can be actuated with just one external drive and in which self-locking that is robust to strong vibrations and crash energy takes place.