Case Latch Assembly Torsion Hinge Biasing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional case latches require user-applied force to engage and disengage the latch hook with the catch plate, and lack effective resistance to external impulses, which complicates the design and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A case latch assembly utilizing a torsion element to bias the hinge member, allowing the strike plate engagement member to engage or disengage without user force, and providing resistance to external impulses, eliminating the need for a separate spring and simplifying construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional case latch is used without a torsion element, then the construction is simpler, but the latch lacks resistance to external impulses and requires user-applied force for engagement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to external impulsesVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the torsion element integration into the hinge member, merging the spring function with the hinge structure. This eliminates the need for a separate spring component while providing resistance to external impulses and automatic engagement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The torsion element integrated in the hinge member provides self-service by automatically biasing the strike plate engagement member towards engagement with the strike plate member, eliminating the need for user-applied force and providing automatic resistance to external impulses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a separate spring is added to push the strike plate engagement member away, then engagement without user force is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement without user forceVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the spring function with the hinge member structure, integrating the torsion element directly into the hinge member. This eliminates the need for a separate spring component while maintaining the capability for automatic engagement and disengagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge member is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the mechanical hinge function, incorporates the torsion element for biasing, and integrates the strike plate engagement member. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the torsion element biases the hinge member towards the second lock mounting part, then engagement is facilitated, but resistance to unwanted movement from external impulses is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement facilitationVSAvoidresistance to unwanted movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different local qualities to different parts of the hinge member. The first part of the hinge member (strike plate engagement member) is biased towards engagement by the torsion element, while the second part (hinge plate) is biased away to provide stability and resistance to external impulses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The torsion element is configured to provide different biasing forces at different angular positions of the hinge member. When the hinge member is in the closed position, the torsion element provides a biasing force that maintains engagement. When opened, the biasing force changes to facilitate disengagement and provide stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enhances the latch's resistance to unwanted movement and simplifies the engagement mechanism, allowing the latch to remain engaged even with a gap between parts, and facilitates easy opening and closing without additional user force.

Implementation Method 1

a torsion element arranged to apply torsion to the hinge member to bias the hinge member towards or away from the second lock mounting part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion: Torque

Data Source

PatentUS9103145B2Case latch assembly

Publication Date: 2015.08.11 PENN ELCOM LTD

AI summary

A case latch assembly includes a first and second lock mounting parts, a strike plate member provided on the first lock mounting part, a hinge member, and a strike plate engagement member. The hinge member is mounted for pivotable movement on a torsion element arranged to apply torsion to the hinge member to bias the hinge member towards or away from the second lock mounting part. The strike plate engagement member is mounted on the hinge member and is reciprocally moveable between a closed position in which the strike plate engagement member engages with the strike plate member and an open position in which the strike plate engagement member is disengaged from the strike plate member.