Auto-relocking Lever Compression Latch Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compression latch devices for hinged doors lack improvements in security, functionality, convenience, and production efficiency, particularly in terms of automatic re-locking and user-friendly operation.
Innovation Solution
The auto-relocking lever compression latch features a housing with a lever and latching member that automatically re-locks when closed, utilizing a push button and lock plug mechanism that allows for secure operation without manual re-locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the latch remains rotatably affixed to the housing and does not form part of the handle, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the security is reduced and manual re-locking is required
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is merged with the handle by making the latch form an integral part of the lever assembly. When the lever pivots to the open position, the latch moves with it, automatically disengaging from the hook. This integration eliminates the need for separate latch mechanisms and manual re-locking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch is pre-positioned on the lever such that when the lever pivots to the open position, the latch automatically moves to disengage from the hook before the user needs to open the door. This preliminary positioning enables automatic unlocking without requiring additional user actions or complex mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the lever is re-latched when returned to the fully closed position with the hook engaging the latch, then the latching function is achieved, but automatic re-locking is not provided requiring manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is pre-positioned on the lever such that when the lever pivots to the closed position, the latch automatically moves into engagement with the hook before the door is fully closed. This preliminary action achieves automatic re-locking without requiring manual intervention, saving user time and effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever assembly performs the latching function automatically through its own pivotal motion. When the user opens or closes the door by moving the lever, the attached latch automatically engages or disengages from the hook, making the system self-servicing without requiring separate locking actions.
3Reliability
If the latch automatically moves with the handle to the open and closed positions, then automatic re-locking is achieved improving security, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is merged with the lever to form an integrated assembly where the latch is positioned on the lever and moves with it during pivotal motion. This merging reduces the number of separate components and their associated mounting mechanisms, actually simplifying the overall device while achieving automatic re-locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever serves multiple functions: it acts as the handle for opening/closing the door and simultaneously serves as the mounting structure for the latch. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate latch mounting mechanisms, reducing device complexity while achieving automatic re-locking.
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 auto-relocking mechanism enhances security by preventing unauthorized re-opening, improves functionality with user-friendly operation, and increases convenience by eliminating the need for manual re-locking, while also addressing production efficiency through optimized design and components.
Implementation Method 1
a pivotally mounted and spring biased lever is rotatably mounted on a housing
Data Source
AI summary
A latch assembly for mounting in an opening of a door and for releasably latching the door to a door frame. The latch assembly includes a housing that is mountable to the opening of the door. A lever is rotatably coupled to the housing between a deployed position and a retracted position. A lock plug is rotatably mounted within the housing, the lock plug having one end for receiving either a tool or key, and an opposite end having an engagement surface. A latching member is movably coupled to the housing, and is engaged with both the rotatable lock plug and the lever in the retracted position of the lever. A torsion spring biases the lock plug back to a starting position after the lock plug is rotated from the starting position using the tool or the key.