Case Latch Assembly with Backup Rivet for Reliable Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing case latch assemblies face issues with reliable engagement and disengagement mechanisms, particularly when the ramp insert fails, leading to improper closure or opening, and lack of positive feedback for the user.
Innovation Solution
A case latch assembly featuring a reciprocating element with a cantilever portion and a torsion element that biases the strike plate engagement portion, interacting with a constraining formation to control the movement path and ensure engagement/disengagement, with a backup rivet acting as a ramp in case of ramp failure, and providing positive feedback through protrusion and depression interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ramp insert is used to control engagement, then the latch mechanism can guide proper closure, but the ramp insert may fail leading to unreliable engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a backup rivet as a predetermined fail-safe mechanism that activates if the ramp insert fails. This rivet is positioned to engage with the reciprocating element's cantilever portion, providing an alternative engagement path that ensures the latch remains functional even when the primary ramp insert fails, thus preventing complete system failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the engagement parameter from relying solely on the ramp insert's geometric profile to including a backup rivet-to-cantilever engagement mechanism. This parameter change provides an alternative physical interaction mode that maintains engagement reliability when the original ramp insert mechanism fails.
2Ease of operation
If the strike plate engagement portion is biased away from the strike plate, then the latch can be easily opened, but positive feedback for engagement is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the reciprocating element's cantilever portion interacts with the backup rivet to provide tactile and audible feedback to the user. When engagement occurs, the cantilever portion deflects and contacts the rivet, creating a noticeable click or stop that confirms proper engagement, thus compensating for the lack of feedback from the biased engagement portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion element creates a biasing force that acts as a counterweight to the engagement force. This bias ensures the engagement portion is naturally pushed away from the strike plate, facilitating easy opening, while the backup rivet system provides the necessary feedback counterbalance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the first lock mounting part is spaced apart from the second lock mounting part, then assembly is more flexible, but engagement may fail without backup mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The backup rivet is pre-positioned to engage with the reciprocating element's cantilever portion, creating a fail-safe mechanism that activates if the primary engagement fails due to spacing issues. This beforehand cushioning ensures that even when mounting parts are spaced apart for assembly flexibility, the backup mechanism prevents engagement failure.
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
Ensures reliable engagement and disengagement mechanisms, even if the ramp insert fails, and provides user feedback, ensuring the latch remains functional and securely closed.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion element being arranged to apply torsion to the hinge member to bias the strike plate engagement portion away from the strike plate member
Implementation Method 2
the cantilever portion interacts with a constraining formation on the second lock mounting part to offset the bias applied by the torsion element to cause the strike plate engagement portion to be deflected towards the strike plate member
Data Source
AI summary
A case latch assembly having a strike plate member provided on a first lock mounting part; a hinge member mounted on a second lock mounting part for pivotal movement about a pivot; a reciprocating element mounted for reciprocal movement on the hinge member, the reciprocating element having a strike plate engagement portion to a side of the pivot nearest to the first lock mounting part for engaging with the strike plate member, and a cantilever portion which extends to the side of the pivot furthest from the first lock mounting part; and a torsion element being arranged to apply torsion to the hinge member to bias the strike plate engagement portion away from the strike plate member as the reciprocating element moves between a first position and a second position, the cantilever portion interacts with a constraining formation on the second lock mounting part to offset the bias applied by the torsion element to cause the strike plate engagement portion to be deflected towards the strike plate member.