Adjustable Cam Latch for Variable Door Offset Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional door latches require custom-made measurements for specific door arrangements, leading to inefficiencies in production time and costs due to the need for multiple latch designs for varying door dimensions and offset distances.

Innovation Solution

A latch with an adjustable cam that allows for axial and rotational adjustment, enabling a single latch to fit different door and door frame configurations without requiring custom dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed cam profile is used in the latch mechanism, then the engagement force is sufficient for secure locking, but the engagement force cannot be adjusted to accommodate different door types or configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different door typesVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustable cam mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cam profile is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the engagement force and engagement point to be modified according to different door types and configurations. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same latch mechanism to adapt to various applications without requiring multiple specialized designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cam is divided into multiple segments or positions that can be selectively engaged. By providing discrete adjustment positions, the mechanism achieves adaptability while maintaining relative simplicity - each position is optimized for specific door types, and the adjustment mechanism allows selection among these pre-determined configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cam engagement point is fixed relative to the actuator pivot, then the mechanism is simple to manufacture, but the engagement point cannot be optimized for different actuator sizes or mounting configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different actuatorsVSAvoidease of manufacturing adjustable components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cam engagement point is made adjustable relative to the actuator pivot, allowing optimization for different actuator sizes and mounting configurations. This dynamic positioning capability enables the latch to work effectively with various actuator types while maintaining a relatively straightforward manufacturing process through modular component design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a rigid cam structure is used, then the engagement force is consistent and reliable, but the cam cannot accommodate variations in door thickness or alignment tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetolerance to door alignment variationsVSAvoidconsistency of engagement force
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cam mechanism incorporates adjustable elements that allow adaptation to door alignment variations while maintaining reliable engagement. By enabling position adjustments, the system can compensate for tolerance variations in door installation while still providing consistent and dependable latching force through proper cam profile design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4127370B1Latch with adjustable cam
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 INDUSTRILAS AB
  • EP4127370B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4127370B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4127370B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a latch (1) for arrangement on a door (2) and locking the door relative to a door frame (3) is provided. The latch comprises an attachment part (10) configured to be arranged on the door, a latch shaft (20) extending from the attachment part, and a cam (30) arranged on the latch shaft, wherein the latch shaft, when the latch is arranged to the door, is rotatable relative to the door to rotate the cam between an open position in which the door is openable relative to the door frame, and a closed position in which the door is locked to the door frame. The cam (30) can be in an open state or in a locked state, and the axial position of the cam on the latch shaft (20) is adjustable when the cam is in the open state.