Sliding Frame Lock Tab Mechanism for Passive Movement Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blocking devices for preventing the sliding movement of a movable structure relative to a fixed structure are often complex, difficult to operate, and lack a clear visual indication of their locking or release status, posing safety risks and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A lockout device with a pivotably mounted lock tab and a holding mechanism that allows for passive blocking of linear movement without electronic control, using a combination of weight distribution and magnetic holding means to securely lock the movable frame member in place, with a visible indication of the locking status through a proximity sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a through opening with bolt or pin is used to lock the movable structure, then the structure can be securely locked in position, but the locking mechanism becomes difficult to operate and it is not clear whether the lock is correctly installed
Solution Approach 1:
The lock tab is designed to automatically engage with the slide surface when the movable structure reaches the desired position, eliminating the need for manual alignment and insertion operations. The mechanism self-locks through its own geometry and the movement of the structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock tab includes a visible indicator that changes position or appearance to clearly show whether the locking mechanism is engaged or disengaged, providing immediate visual feedback to the operator about the locking status.
2Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used to prevent movement, then the structure can be securely locked, but the device complexity increases and operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential locking function from a complex multi-component system and implements it with a single pivotable tab element that performs all locking, indicating, and releasing functions through its pivoting motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock tab serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the blocking surface, indicates locking status through its position, and can be released by reverse movement of the structure, eliminating the need for separate locking and indicating mechanisms.
3Extent of automation
If electronic control is used to manage the blocking device, then precise control is achieved, but the device complexity increases and additional energy is required
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device is completely self-regulating through the mechanical movement of the structure itself. When the structure moves to the locked position, the lock tab automatically engages; when moved in reverse, it automatically releases, requiring no external control signals or energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces electronic control systems with a purely mechanical passive blocking mechanism that uses the kinetic energy and movement of the structure itself to operate the locking and releasing functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A lockout device for selectively blocking linear movement of a movable frame member relative to a fixed frame member includes a lock tab pivotably mountable to the fixed frame member and having a contact surface configured to slidably engage a slide surface of the movable frame member when the lock tab has a first orientation, the movable frame member including a stop surface at one end of the slide surface, a holder for releasably holding the lock tab in a second orientation with the contact surface spaced from the slide surface, and a body mountable to the movable frame member and configured such that movement of the movable frame member in a first direction causes the body pivot the lock tab into the second orientation and movement of the movable member in a second direction causes the body to pivot the lock tab into the first orientation.