MULTIPLE PURPOSE LOCKING MECHANISM USING ACTIVE MATERIAL SWITCHING

摘要

The invention provides two inter-engaged parts (10, 50) in suitable material that interface with each other such that they have only one plane of relative motion for release and the engagement. One part is fixed to a non-moving member and the other part is fixed to a moving member within any suitable latch configuration. A spring blade or wire spring of suitable construction is fixed to one part such that it strikes and is held by a hook, projection or similar feature on the other part and this interference prevents the relative motion. There is a small amount of permitted motion and the insertion into the path of the spring component of a suitable guide member will cause the spring to deflect by the size of the hook feature and so the spring will fail to engage upon the hook, permitting unrestricted relative motion. A preferred use is as part of a door lock.