Suitcase Lock with Separated Operating and Locking Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suitcase locks, particularly those with aluminum borders, are prone to damage during transport due to their single structure and fixed installation on the border, making them inconvenient and vulnerable.
Innovation Solution
A lock system for suitcases that separates the operating component from the locking component, allowing the locking component to be installed on the border while the operating component can be placed anywhere else, utilizing a force transmission mechanism to enable opening or closing without a zipper, with features like a toggle or handle for operation and a self-locking mechanism for security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the lock is installed in the aluminum frame of the suitcase, then the lock structure is simple, but the lock is easily damaged when the suitcase collides during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is divided into separate components: the operating component (handle/toggle) and the locking component (lock block, locking plate). This segmentation allows the locking component to be positioned inside the border where it is protected from impact, while the operating component remains accessible for user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
A force transmission mechanism (steel wire or locking rope) is introduced as an intermediary to connect the operating component with the locking component. This allows the operating component to be located away from the border while still effectively controlling the locking component through the transmitted force.
2Ease of operation
If the lock is installed on the outer side of the suitcase, then the lock is easily accessible for operation, but the lock is easily damaged when the suitcase collides during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system separates the operating component that requires accessibility from the locking component that requires protection. The operating component can be positioned on the outer surface for easy access, while the locking component is positioned inside the border for protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The force transmission mechanism serves as a mediator that connects the externally accessible operating component with the internally protected locking component, allowing both accessibility and durability requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.
3Device complexity
If the lock is fixed to the border of the suitcase, then the lock structure is simple, but the lock cannot be flexibly positioned on the suitcase surface
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the lock into operating and locking components connected by a flexible transmission mechanism enables independent positioning of each component. The locking component can be固定在 the border while the operating component can be positioned anywhere on the suitcase surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The force transmission mechanism uses flexible elements (steel wire or locking rope) that can bend and extend, allowing the operating component to be positioned at various locations on the suitcase surface while maintaining mechanical connection to the locking component.
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention discloses a lock that set on a suitcase of being opened or closed without using a zipper, which including an operating component and a locking component that are separately-mounted; the operating component is set on a non-border position of the suitcase, and the locking component is set on the border of the suitcase, wherein the locking component comprises at least one locking unit, the force transfer between the operating component and the locking component is provided by a force transmission mechanism that connected between the operating component and the locking component; the operating component comprises an operation member, and the locking unit comprises a lock head and a lock hook, wherein driving the operation member can drive the lock head or the lock hook to move through the force transmission mechanism, to lock or unlock the lock. This invention also provides a suitcase provided with the lock as described above. This invention set the operating component and the locking component separately, which solves the problem that the lock can only be installed on the border of the suitcase, and only the locking component needs to be installed on the border of the suitcase, while the operating component can be installed at any position of the suitcase other than the border.