Translational Locking Mechanism for Wing Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for wing systems, such as sliding door systems, are either always active, leading to increased effort and wear, or require rotating parts, making them complex and difficult to apply to other door systems, and lack an explicit unlocking mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a first and second locking element, where the first element moves with the wing and engages or disengages with a stationary second element, allowing for a translational movement-based locking mechanism that can be activated or deactivated, independent of the wing's actuator, and can be integrated into various wing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a guide pin is constantly engaged in a slot to provide locking, then locking reliability is improved, but friction and wear increase leading to higher operational effort
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system transitions from a static constantly-engaged guide pin to a dynamic system where the locking element is only engaged when needed. The guide pin can be positioned in different locations along the slot, including disengaged positions, allowing the system to switch between locked and unlocked states without constant friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is divided into distinct functional zones along the slot: a locking zone where the guide pin engages to prevent movement, and non-locking zones where the pin can be positioned freely. This segmentation allows the pin to provide locking only when required while minimizing friction during normal operation.
2Reliability
If a guide pin is constantly engaged in a slot to provide locking, then locking reliability is improved, but wear of the guide pin increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamic engagement approach where the guide pin is only locked into the slot when locking is required. During normal operation, the pin can be positioned elsewhere in the slot, significantly reducing the duration of contact and friction, thereby extending the service life of both the guide pin and slot.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism operates periodically rather than continuously - the guide pin is engaged in the locking position only when needed and disengaged otherwise. This periodic engagement reduces cumulative wear and extends the operational life of the locking components.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism uses rotating parts like a bell and locking bolt, then locking functionality is achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential locking function from complex rotating mechanisms and implements it through a simplified translational system. The guide pin moving linearly along the slot achieves the same locking effect without requiring rotating bells, pulleys, or multiple interconnected components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the rotating mechanical system (bell and locking bolt) with a translational mechanical system (guide pin in slot). This substitution maintains locking functionality while dramatically reducing the number of parts, simplifying the mechanism, and enabling application to systems without rotational actuators.
4Reliability
If a locking mechanism requires rotating parts, then locking can be achieved, but adaptability to other door systems decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The translational locking mechanism using a guide pin and slot is universally applicable to various wing systems regardless of their actuation method. Unlike rotating mechanisms that require specific rotational actuators, this system can be integrated with manual, electric, or pneumatic systems that produce linear motion, making it highly versatile.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adapting the locking mechanism to match the actuator type (as with rotating systems), the invention inverts the approach by using a standardized translational locking system that can be driven by any actuator capable of linear motion. This inversion greatly enhances adaptability across different wing system configurations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The device (1) has a locking element (30) moved into a locking position from another locking element (100) and/or into a releasing position from the latter locking element. The latter locking element comprises an activation element e.g. electromagnet, that prevents stopping operative connection between two stop elements according to the locking position. The activation element enables stopping operative connection between the stop elements according to the releasing position. The former locking element is attached at a region of a location groove (12) of a track carriage (20).