Spring-Biased Latch Locking Mechanism for Movable Columns
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Movable columns in structures, such as those providing shading for glass exteriors, lack a reliable mechanism to lock in place, risking unintentional movement due to wind forces and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism with a spring-biased latch that extends from a base foot to engage and disengage a recessed opening in the movable column, allowing automatic locking and unlocking, utilizing the column's downward force to secure it in place without external power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If movable columns are used to provide adjustable shading, then energy efficiency is improved, but structural reliability deteriorates due to risk of unintentional movement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating, utilizing the downward force of the column itself to trigger the locking action. When the column is lowered onto the base foot, the interaction between the column's lower end and the locking mechanism automatically engages the latch without requiring external power or manual intervention, thus maintaining energy efficiency while ensuring reliable locking
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased latch is pre-positioned to automatically engage with the recessed opening in the column's lower end before wind forces or other external forces can cause unintentional movement. This preliminary locking action prevents harmful forces from displacing the column, thereby maintaining structural reliability
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unintentional movement, then structural reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, modular locking foot assembly that can be independently designed and manufactured. This modular approach allows the locking mechanism to be a self-contained unit with a simple spring-biased latch, avoiding the need to complicate the overall column structure while still providing reliable locking functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased latch automatically engages and disengages based on the column's position, eliminating the need for complex control systems, sensors, or external power sources. The mechanism uses the column's own movement to trigger locking and unlocking actions, thereby maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable operation
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 mechanism effectively locks the movable column in place, preventing unintended movement and withstanding significant wind forces, while allowing controlled release for movement, thus enhancing structural safety and energy efficiency by providing adjustable shading.
Implementation Method 1
a latch which is spring biased and at least partially extends outward from the base foot
Implementation Method 2
The locking mechanism includes a latch which is spring biased
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment includes an assembly with a movable column with an upper end and a lower end, wherein the lower end includes a recessed opening. The assembly also includes a locking foot assembly with a base foot and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a latch which is spring biased and at least partially extends outward from the base foot such that the latch comes into contact with the lower end of the movable column and is retractable inward into the base foot when the spring is compressed, such that the latch of the locking mechanism can both engage and disengage the recessed opening in the lower end of the movable column.