Case Latch Assembly Slim Profile Anti-Vibration Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing case latches have a bulky construction due to the figure eight shaped cam and cam slot mechanism, which limits their slimmess and can lead to accidental opening from vibrations or knocks.
Innovation Solution
A case latch assembly featuring a strike plate member, a hinge member with a pivotable movement, a strike plate engagement member with a coupling slot and a cam slot, a lock nut, a cam pin, and a coupling pin, where the rotation of the lock nut translates into linear movement of the strike plate engagement member, and a retaining element in the cam slot prevents accidental opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a figure eight shaped cam and cam slot mechanism is used, then the latch can be actuated, but the construction becomes bulky and loses slimmess
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the traditional figure-eight cam mechanism into separate functional elements: a cam slot extending generally crossways and a coupling slot extending generally lengthways in the strike plate engagement member, with separate cam pin and coupling pin. This segmentation allows each slot and pin to be optimized independently, reducing overall thickness while maintaining actuation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional figure-eight cam path to a three-dimensional arrangement where the cam slot and coupling slot are positioned at different orientations and depths. The cam slot extends crossways while the coupling slot extends lengthways, creating a spatial configuration that reduces the thickness dimension while preserving the mechanical advantage of the cam mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional cam mechanism is used, then the latch can open and close, but it is susceptible to accidental opening from vibrations or knocks
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element protruding into the cam slot creates a preliminary counter-action that prevents the cam pin from moving in the direction that would open the latch. This anti-action is built into the slot geometry itself, creating a mechanical barrier against vibrational or impact-induced opening before such forces can overcome the latch engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the cam mechanism by introducing a retaining element that modifies the cam slot's cross-sectional shape and creates a retaining region. This parameter change transforms the open cam slot into a constrained geometry that allows controlled movement for latching while blocking unintended movement paths that would cause accidental opening.
3Volume of moving object
If the coupling pin and cam pin are positioned closely, then the assembly is more compact, but the slots may interfere with each other's motion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs asymmetric orientation of the two slots: the cam slot extends generally crossways while the coupling slot extends generally lengthways. This asymmetric arrangement creates complementary motion paths that minimize interference between the cam pin and coupling pin, allowing compact positioning without sacrificing operational independence of each slot.
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 new design allows for a slimmer construction and smooth operation, preventing accidental opening through the use of a T-shaped or mushroom-shaped slot configuration and a retaining element, ensuring the case latch remains securely closed.
Implementation Method 1
a cam slot provided therein which extends generally crossways; a cam pin connected to the lock nut at an off-centre position and engaged with the cam slot; wherein rotation of the lock nut is translated by movement of the cam pin within the cam slot into linear movement of the strike plate engagement member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(d)
AI summary
A case latch assembly (10) comprises: a strike plate member (18) provided on a first lock mounting part (12); a hinge member (16) mounted for pivotable movement on a second lock mounting part (14); a strike plate engagement member (20) mounted on the hinge member for reciprocal linear movement thereon and having a coupling slot (38, 54) provided therein which extends generally lengthways and having a cam slot (40, 56, 62) provided therein which extends generally crossways; a rotatably mounted lock nut (22); a cam pin (24) connected to the lock nut at an off-centre position and engaged with the cam slot; and a coupling pin (26) connected to the lock nut at a second position and located through the coupling slot, wherein rotation of the lock nut is translated by movement of the cam pin within the cam slot into linear movement of the strike plate engagement member between a closed position and an extended position and wherein the coupling pin moves along the coupling slot during the rotation of the lock nut.