Casket Latch Assembly Audible Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing casket latch mechanisms are not economical and lack a clear indication of being locked, making it difficult to ensure the lid is securely closed during interment.
Innovation Solution
A casket latch assembly featuring a strike plate attached to the lid and a flexible latch arm attached to the lower shell, with a release mechanism, providing a positive audible indication of the lid being locked through a spring-loaded mechanism that clicks when fully closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional latch mechanism is used, then the lid can be held closed, but the mechanism is not economical and lacks a clear indication of being locked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an audible click sound as a visual/audible indicator of locking status, analogous to color change principles. The latch arm's engagement with the strike plate produces a distinct audible click that clearly indicates the locked state, resolving the issue of lacking clear locking indication without adding complex electronic or mechanical indicator systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed to be self-indicating through the audible click produced during engagement. The system serves its own indication function through the natural acoustic feedback of the latch arm engaging the strike plate, eliminating the need for separate indicator mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a simple latch mechanism is used, then the device is economical and easy to use, but it does not provide positive indication that the lid has been locked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements immediate acoustic feedback through the audible click sound produced when the latch arm engages the strike plate. This feedback provides real-time confirmation to the user that the lid has been successfully locked, preventing information loss about the locking status while maintaining the simplicity of the mechanical operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement of the latch arm with the strike plate produces a distinct mechanical vibration or click sound that serves as the feedback mechanism. This mechanical vibration provides tangible, immediate confirmation of the locked state without requiring complex electronic sensors or indicators, preserving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the latch arm is made flexible, then it can provide audible indication upon engagement, but it requires precise positioning to ensure proper locking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the flexibility parameter of the latch arm to achieve both audible indication and reliable engagement. The flexible nature of the latch arm allows it to deflect and produce the audible click while still engaging the strike plate securely. The design compensates for positioning variations through the latch arm's elastic deformation, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch arm is designed as a flexible component that can elastically deform during engagement with the strike plate. This flexibility allows the latch arm to accommodate minor positioning variations while still producing the audible click and ensuring secure locking, thereby reducing the need for extremely precise manufacturing and installation.
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 ensures the lid is securely held in a closed position with an audible confirmation, enhancing user confidence in the locking mechanism's functionality while maintaining economic and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible latch arm is attached to a casket lower shell. The latch arm has a latch edge for engaging the strike plate surface of the strike plate to hold the lid in a closed position.
Implementation Method 2
providing a positive audible indication of the lid being locked through a spring-loaded mechanism that clicks when fully closed
Data Source
AI summary
A casket latch assembly has a strike plate attached to a casket lid. The strike plate has a strike plate edge and a strike plate surface. A flexible latch arm is attached to a casket lower shell. The latch arm has a latch edge for engaging the strike plate surface of the strike plate to hold the lid in a closed position. A release mechanism for disengaging the latch edge from the strike plate surface to allow the closed lid to open.