Sliding Door Lock Mechanism With Multi-Point Rail Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door lock mechanisms in air vehicles suffer from low reliability and increased risk of user injury, particularly in hook-type systems, and there is a need for a lighter and more effective locking system.
Innovation Solution
A door lock mechanism with a transfer element that rotates to simultaneously activate multiple lock elements, allowing them to move in and out of slots, and a sliding element that performs up and down movements to lock or unlock the door, utilizing a handle-triggered system with a channeled rail structure and inclined surfaces for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hook type lock systems are used in air vehicle sliding doors, then the locking mechanism can be implemented, but the reliability is low and the risk of user injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is divided into multiple independent lock elements (at least two) that can be engaged with corresponding slots on the rail. Each lock element operates independently but is controlled by a single handle through a transfer element, providing segmented locking points that increase overall reliability and reduce injury risk compared to a single hook-type lock.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a hook-type mechanism that catches onto a slot, the invention uses lock elements that insert into and engage with slots on the rail. The door moves by sliding on a rail with a channel structure, and the lock elements move linearly to engage with the slots, inverting the traditional hook-and-loop locking approach for improved safety and reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple lock elements are used to improve reliability, then the locking system becomes more reliable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lock elements are merged into a single controlled system through the transfer element. When the handle is actuated, the transfer element simultaneously controls all lock elements to engage or disengage from their respective slots, maintaining reliability through multiple locking points while simplifying operation to a single user action.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer element serves multiple functions: it converts the rotational movement of the single handle into linear movement of multiple lock elements, coordinates the simultaneous engagement of all lock elements, and provides a universal control mechanism for the entire locking system. This multi-functionality reduces operational complexity despite having multiple lock elements.
3Ease of operation
If a single handle controls multiple lock elements simultaneously, then the ease of operation is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer element acts as an intermediary between the single handle and multiple lock elements. It receives the rotational input from the handle and distributes it as coordinated linear movement to all lock elements, enabling simple single-handled operation while managing the complexity of coordinating multiple locking points through a dedicated intermediary mechanism.
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
Provides a more reliable and efficient locking system that reduces the risk of injury and allows for easy operation, ensuring secure and safe door movement between locked and free positions.
Implementation Method 1
a transfer element which, when actuated by the handle, rotates around a fastener to which the transfer element is mounted rotatably on the door, so that the lock elements are contacted with the slot or disconnected from the slot
Implementation Method 2
The sliding element is triggered by the movement of the transfer element to perform an up and down movement, thus activating the lock elements
Implementation Method 3
a sliding element that moves within a frame on the transfer element. Thanks to the pin moving on the frame wall, the lock elements are activated
Implementation Method 4
when the lock element is brought into contact with the inner cavity of the slot, movement of the door is restricted, such that it is in the locked position (L)
Data Source
AI summary
A door is on the body of a vehicle. A handle is on the door to allow movement of the door. At least one rail is on the body to allow the door to slide thereon. A plurality of lock elements are located on the door in connection with the handle which are triggered by the handle to move in the direction they extend. A plurality of slots in the form of a groove are located on the body for allowing the lock element to be inserted and removed therein. The door has a free position in which the door is allowed to move on the rail when the lock element is completely removed from the slot and a locked position in which the movement of the door is restricted when the lock element, which has been at least partially inserted into the slot, contacts the wall of the slot.