Compact Sliding Door Lock Device for Low-Height Guide Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for sliding doors are complex to assemble and not suitable for installation in guide rails with low overall height, requiring additional space and machining.
Innovation Solution
A compact locking device with a mounting plate and actuator that fits within the guide rail's profile, using an electric lifting magnet or spindle drive to convert horizontal movement into vertical bolt engagement, allowing for secure locking and easy installation without additional machining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional locking device is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the device is complex to assemble and requires additional space in the guide rail
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device integrates the actuator, mounting plate, and locking mechanism into a single compact unit that fits within the guide rail profile. The actuator is positioned to engage with the roller carriage directly through the guide rail opening, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets or external components, thus reducing assembly complexity while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed so that the actuator, mounting plate, and locking elements are nested within the guide rail's cross-sectional profile. The receiving slide fits into the T-shaped groove, and the actuator operates within the available space without protruding beyond the guide rail's outer dimensions, effectively nesting the entire locking assembly within the existing guide rail structure.
2Volume of stationary object
If the locking device is made compact to fit in low-height guide rails, then the space requirement is reduced, but the assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into modular components: the actuator, the mounting plate with receiving slide, and the locking elements. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled separately, then easily connected to form the complete compact locking device, thereby simplifying assembly despite the compact overall dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates movable elements such as the receiving slide that can move along the T-shaped groove and the actuator that translates linear motion into locking action. These dynamic components are designed with clearances and guide features that facilitate easy assembly and adjustment, reducing the difficulty of assembling the compact device.
3Volume of stationary object
If the actuator dimensions are reduced to fit within the guide rail profile, then the installation space is optimized, but the actuator's force output may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed to convert linear motion into rotational or leverage-based locking action through a conversion unit. This mechanical advantage system allows a smaller actuator with reduced force output to generate sufficient locking force by utilizing leverage ratios or gear mechanisms, thereby maintaining adequate locking force while keeping the actuator dimensions within the guide rail profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism utilizes the vertical dimension of the guide rail by having the actuator move vertically within the guide rail profile, while the locking action occurs in a different plane or direction. This dimensional separation allows the actuator to be compact in the vertical dimension while still generating sufficient force through mechanical advantage in the locking direction.
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 solution provides a simple, space-efficient locking mechanism that fits within the guide rail's dimensions, enabling secure sliding door operation and emergency unlocking, suitable for low-height installations without requiring additional space or machining.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrically actuable lifting magnet (6) with an armature (8) which can be attracted by magnetic force in the unlocking direction
Implementation Method 2
a spring-loaded bolt (10) which can be engaged by a spring-loaded roller carriage (4)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A conversion unit (9) converts horizontal movement of an actuating element (8) of an actuator (6) into perpendicular motion of a bolt (10). The conversion unit is comprised of a U-shaped bow lifting element (21) on a connecting link (20) for lifting the bolt. A latch pin (19) in connecting link is supported by bolt. A mounting plate (14) is arranged at a recording slide (15) with which actuator is arranged in a guide rail (5). Recording slide is used as a bolt guide (17) of conversion unit, with a receptacle for slidably receiving the bolt against a locking spring.