Compression Latch Securing Device Against Vibrational Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compression latches face challenges in securing against unintentional opening due to vibrations, as existing designs primarily focus on preventing loosening rather than opening.
Innovation Solution
A compression latch with a securing device that includes a securing element which can be axially pushed into the locking housing to prevent rotational movement of the actuating projection, coupled with the locking shaft, thereby preventing opening by vibrations until the securing element is actuated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compression latch uses only pre-tensioning of the locking element to prevent loosening, then the locking position is secured against unintentional loosening through vibrations, but the latch remains vulnerable to unintentional opening caused by vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The securing function is segmented from the main locking mechanism. The securing element operates independently within the actuating projection, allowing vibrations to be blocked without affecting the overall locking structure. This segmentation enables enhanced security while maintaining simplicity in the main locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element is nested within the actuating projection, which itself is part of the locking mechanism. This nested structure allows the securing function to be integrated into the existing design without adding significant external complexity, while still providing an additional layer of protection against vibrational opening.
2Reliability
If a securing element is added to prevent rotational movement of the actuating projection, then security against vibrational opening is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is merged with the actuating projection to form an integrated assembly. The securing element utilizes the same axial space and structural features of the actuating projection, combining two functions (actuation and securing) into a unified component structure, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating projection serves dual functions: it acts as the operational interface for manual actuation and simultaneously houses the securing element that prevents vibrational opening. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated securing components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the securing element is designed to be axially pushable to release the actuating projection, then manual release capability is provided, but the ease of operation is reduced due to the additional securing step
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is positioned in a preliminary secured state during normal operation, automatically preventing vibrational opening without requiring user intervention. When manual release is needed, the user simply applies axial force to the actuating projection, which simultaneously actuates the locking mechanism and overrides the securing element, reducing the operational steps required.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element automatically engages and disengages based on the axial position of the actuating projection. During normal operation, it self-secures against vibrations. During manual release, the axial movement that operates the locking mechanism also automatically releases the securing element, eliminating the need for separate manual securing/release actions.
Data Source
AI summary
A compression latch includes a cylindrical housing (1). A locking shaft (2) is rotatably and axially movable in the housing. The locking shaft includes an axial free end (14) that engages a locking element (12). A cylindrical sleeve (3) engages an axial end of the locking shaft opposed of the free end. The sleeve includes an axially tapered annular sleeve slot (19) in which a shaft engagement pin (7) is engaged to cause axial movement of the locking shaft with rotational movement sleeve until the pin engages a slot end. After pin engagement with the slot end, further rotation of the sleeve causes rotation of the locking shaft. A cylindrical securing element (4) is rotatably engaged with and is axially movable relative to the sleeve. The securing element includes a circumferentially extending guiding recess (17) and a transversely extending latching recess (18). A securing element engaging pin (9) is engageable with the latching recess to prevent rotational movement of the securing element and the sleeve until the securing element is moved axially inwardly to disengage the pin and the latching recess.