Cam-Path Latch Mechanism for Single-Motion Lid Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container lids often require multiple steps or complex mechanisms to open and close, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism with a handle pivotably coupled to a triggering member, latching member, and guide member, allowing for a single fluid motion to transition between latched and unlatched positions, enabling easy opening and closing of the lid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional multi-step latch mechanism is used, then the lid can be securely locked, but the opening and closing process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the unlatching and opening actions into a single continuous motion. The handle pivotably couples the triggering member, latching member, and guide member so that one pivoting motion simultaneously releases the cam from the cam path and opens the lid, eliminating the need for separate unlatching and opening steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed so that the cam is pre-positioned on the cam path when closed. When the user pivots the handle, the cam automatically follows the cam path geometry to progressively release the latch and guide the lid opening motion, preparing the system for smooth opening before the user completes the motion.
2Reliability
If a simple latch mechanism is used, then the opening process is fast, but the latch may not reliably maintain the lid in the latched position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cam surfaces with specific curved geometries. The cam path includes an inclined portion and a declined portion that guide the cam through a controlled motion sequence. The curved surfaces ensure smooth transition between latched and unlatched states while maintaining reliable engagement through the geometry of the cam and cam path interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism uses a pivotable handle that dynamically transitions between positions. The triggering member, latching member, and guide member are all pivotably coupled, allowing the system to dynamically adapt its configuration during the opening/closing sequence while maintaining stable engagement in both latched and unlatched states.
3Reliability
If a complex multi-step mechanism is used, then the lid can be securely locked, but the mechanism requires multiple components increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The handle serves multiple functions simultaneously: it pivots to trigger the release, it guides the cam through the cam path, and it provides the lifting motion to open the lid. The single pivotable handle structure integrates the triggering member, latching member, and guide member into one multi-functional component system.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism nests multiple functional elements within the handle assembly. The triggering member, latching member, and guide member are all pivotably coupled to the handle, creating a compact nested structure where each component performs its function within the confined space of the handle mechanism.
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
Facilitates a seamless one-motion opening and closing of the container lid, enhancing user convenience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The latching member includes cams that are positioned within the guide member's cam paths. Pivoting the handle away from the guide member causes the cams to track through an inclined portion of the guide member's cam paths.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a base defining a cavity; a lid coupled to the base and movable to close the cavity or open the cavity; and a latch able to be transitioned between a latched position and an unlatched position. The latch includes a handle pivotable between the latched position and the unlatched position; a guide member pivotably coupled to the handle, the guide member including a cam path; and a latching member pivotably coupled to the handle, the latching member including a cam disposed within the cam path. The cam path is structured such that, when the latch is in the unlatched position, the cam is disposed at a position in the cam path such that the latch is maintained in the unlatched position absent a force applied to the latch.