Bi-Stable Electronic Latch Mechanism for Enclosure Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic latch mechanisms require continuous power to maintain a locked or unlocked state, consume significant energy, and often fail in power supply failures, leading to security and access control issues in enclosures.
Innovation Solution
A battery-operated latch apparatus with a bi-stable solenoid and detent biasing mechanism that allows the latch to maintain a locked or unlocked state without continuous power, using RF or hardwired control signals for operation, and a compact design suitable for various enclosure types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous power is supplied to maintain locked or unlocked state, then the latch mechanism can maintain its state reliably, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid is activated periodically or transiently to transition between states rather than continuously powered. The bi-stable mechanism maintains states without continuous energy input, requiring power only during state transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of power failure into a beneficial feature by designing the bi-stable mechanism where power loss naturally preserves the current state, eliminating the need for continuous power supply and significantly reducing energy consumption.
2Reliability
If solenoid is energized continuously to maintain locked state, then security is improved, but power supply duration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid is energized only transiently during state transitions rather than continuously, allowing battery power to last much longer while maintaining security through the bi-stable mechanism that holds states without continuous power.
Solution Approach 2:
The bi-stable mechanism serves itself by maintaining locked or unlocked states through its inherent mechanical stability without requiring continuous external power, enabling the system to maintain security autonomously once a state is achieved.
3Reliability
If fail secure mode is used to maintain security during power failure, then security is improved, but access control flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of forcing the system into a single fail-secure or fail-safe mode, the patent inverts the approach by making both states (locked and unlocked) stable and maintainable without power, allowing flexible selection of operational mode based on security requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its behavior based on control signals and operational requirements, allowing configuration of different operational modes (fail-secure, fail-safe, or neutral) rather than being fixed in one mode, thus maintaining both security and flexibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If compact design is used to fit narrow spaces, then installation versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism components are nested within each other to achieve a compact form factor that fits narrow drawer gaps, with the solenoid, latch hook, and detent mechanism arranged in a space-efficient configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently by arranging components in multiple dimensions rather than simply scaling down two-dimensional components, allowing compact installation while maintaining functional integrity.
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 latch apparatus conserves energy by maintaining states without continuous power, ensuring secure access and storage even during power failures, and fits in narrow spaces like drawer hardware gaps.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating device can include a solenoid with a detent biased to both a locked position and an unlocked position
Implementation Method 2
bi-stable latch hook detent biasing means for biasing the latch hook to either of the open position or the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A latch apparatus for providing secure storage to an enclosure is disclosed. The latch apparatus can include an actuating device that operates to lock or unlock the latch apparatus in response to a control signal. The control signal can be communicated to the latch apparatus through an RF or other transmitted signal or through hardwires connecting the latch apparatus to the remote device. The latch apparatus can be maintained in either a locked state or an unlocked state without having to continuously supply power to the latch apparatus. The latch apparatus can include a latch hook that can be detent biased to both the open position and the closed position while the latch apparatus is in either a locked state or an unlocked state. The latch hook can move from the open position to the closed position while the latch apparatus is in a locked state. The latch apparatus can also have a thickness such that the latch apparatus will fit in the gap in which drawer slide hardware for an enclosure is installed.