Automatic Latch Mechanism for Single-Motion Worktable Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for portable worktables require multiple steps to secure and unlock, making the process inefficient and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
An automatic locking mechanism that secures and releases the worktable portions using a single motion, employing a latch with a biasing mechanism, a pivoting portion, a securing portion with a hook, and a cam structure, which automatically locks and unlocks the worktable when the legs are deployed or stowed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional locking mechanism is used to secure the worktable portions, then the worktable can be securely locked in its operating position, but the locking process requires multiple steps and is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is pre-configured in a positioned state that automatically engages with the worktable portions when they are brought into the correct relative position. The biasing mechanism pre-loads the latch so that it is ready to engage immediately when the worktable portions are deployed, eliminating the need for separate locking steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism automatically secures the worktable portions together through the interaction between the latch, biasing mechanism, and cam structure. When the worktable portions are deployed, the cam structure automatically actuates the latch into the locked position without requiring user intervention. Similarly, when the legs are collapsed, the mechanism automatically unlocks.
2Reliability
If a multi-step locking mechanism is used, then the worktable can be securely locked, but the mechanism increases the complexity of the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking function with the deployment action itself. The latch mechanism integrates the securing function into the single motion of deploying the worktable portions, rather than requiring a separate locking step. The cam structure merges the unlocking function with the leg collapse action.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam structure acts as an intermediary that translates the motion of collapsing the legs into the actuation of the latch. This intermediary mechanism automatically converts the leg collapse motion into latch rotation, providing reliable locking/unlocking without adding complex control systems.
3Extent of automation
If the latch is held in a positioned state by a biasing mechanism, then the latch can automatically engage and disengage, but the biasing mechanism requires space and adds structural elements
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism serves multiple functions: it holds the latch in the positioned state for automatic engagement, provides the force necessary for the latch to engage with the worktable portions, and enables the automatic unlocking when the cam structure actuates the latch. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate mechanisms.
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
Enables efficient deployment and breakdown of the worktable by automatically securing and releasing the portions with a single action, enhancing usability and reducing the complexity of the locking process.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing mechanism configured to bias the latch toward pivoting about the axis in a second direction that is opposite the first direction
Implementation Method 2
a cam structure attached to the base and comprising a receiving surface being configured to contact the third object and pivot the latch about said axis in the first direction in response to the selective movement of the third object
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an automatic locking mechanism (10) configured to automatically secure and selectively release a first object to a second object, and including a latch (12) having a base (14), a pivoting portion (16) to pivotally secure the latch to the first object about an axis (A), a securing portion (18) having a receiving surface (20) to contact the second object and to pivot the latch about the axis (A) in a first direction. The securing portion also includes a hook (22) to automatically secure the second object to the first object. The latch also includes a bias support (24) attached to the base and including an arch (26) protruding into the first object and defining a space (28) between the first object and an interior apex of the arch. The latch further includes a cam structure (32) attached to the base and including a receiving surface to contact a third object and pivot the latch about the axis (A) in the first direction in response to the selective movement of the third object. The latch further includes a biasing mechanism (36) positioned in the space between the first object and the interior apex of the arch, and configured to bias the latch toward pivoting about the axis (A) in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. A worktable comprising said mechanism is also disclosed.