Click-Lock Assembly With Finger-Release Latches and Safety Buttons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional latch and locking assemblies often require tools for disassembly and parts replacement, making them less secure and more cumbersome compared to finger-pressure releasable mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A click-lock assembly with locking slides, springs, and a frame that allows for easy engagement and release using finger pressure, featuring a central aperture that changes size to secure and release elements, and includes safety buttons to prevent accidental release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional latch and locking assemblies are used, then secure connection is achieved, but tool requirement for disassembly increases complexity and reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-operating through spring-loaded locking slides that automatically engage and disengage. The buttons provide manual actuation that triggers the spring mechanism, eliminating the need for external tools while maintaining secure locking through the self-actuating spring force
Solution Approach 2:
The locking slides are designed with movable buttons that can be pressed to dynamically change the state of the locking mechanism. The springs provide dynamic force that automatically returns the buttons to their original position after pressing, enabling easy transition between locked and unlocked states without tools
2Ease of operation
If finger-pressure releasable mechanisms are used, then ease of operation is improved, but securing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The buttons are designed with curved or rounded surfaces that concentrate finger pressure onto specific contact points of the locking slides. This curvature allows efficient force transmission from the finger press to the locking mechanism, ensuring reliable engagement/disengagement while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The springs are pre-loaded to provide preliminary force that ensures the locking slides are always under tension ready for engagement. This preliminary spring force guarantees that when the button is pressed, the locking mechanism responds reliably and immediately, maintaining securing reliability while enabling easy release
3Reliability
If multiple locking slides are used, then securing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking slides are merged into a single integrated assembly where each slide shares common mounting features and operates within the same frame structure. The buttons and springs of multiple slides are positioned to work in unison, creating a unified locking system that achieves high reliability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
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
Enables secure connection and easy disassembly of components using finger pressure, enhancing usability and accessibility without the need for tools.
Implementation Method 1
a spring corresponding to the locking slide, wherein the spring is configured to apply a force to urge the locking slide toward the first position
Data Source
AI summary
Various click-lock assemblies that engage a component and that are releasable by pressing one or more release latches are described.