Bi-Directional Compression Latch for Uniform Enclosure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door latch systems for electrical enclosures face challenges in providing uniform sealing, especially at corner areas, and struggle to maintain sealing integrity under high G-forces and inverted operation, such as on a RAM launcher.
Innovation Solution
A latch system featuring a latch receiver with transverse ramps and a cam latch mechanism that ensures secure locking and sealing by distributing compression loads evenly around the door perimeter, including a bi-directional lock profile and adjustable compression load, to accommodate various orientations and forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional door dogs/latches are used, then the door can be locked, but uniform sealing around the entire door perimeter is not achieved, particularly at corner areas
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system is divided into multiple independent door dogs (at least three) positioned at different locations around the door perimeter, including corner areas. Each door dog independently contributes to the sealing function, ensuring uniform compression distribution around the entire perimeter rather than relying on a single latch mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The door dogs are strategically positioned at specific locations around the door perimeter, with emphasis on corner areas that require higher compression loads. Each door dog applies localized compression force at its specific position, ensuring that areas needing more sealing pressure (like corners) receive adequate force while maintaining overall uniform sealing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If door dogs/latches are positioned for inverted operation, then the door can be locked in inverted position, but operator ergonomics deteriorate requiring inverted positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The door dogs are positioned asymmetrically around the door perimeter rather than uniformly spaced, with specific positioning optimized for inverted operation scenarios. This asymmetric arrangement allows the operator to access and operate the latches from a normal upright position even when the cabinet is mounted inverted, eliminating the need for the operator to invert their body position.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch system is designed to function effectively in both upright and inverted orientations. The door dogs and their actuation mechanisms are configured so that the operating force direction and access points remain ergonomically accessible regardless of the cabinet's mounting orientation, effectively inverting the operational approach to accommodate inverted installation scenarios.
3Strength
If tool-locked door dogs are used, then secure locking is achieved, but operational complexity increases requiring tools for all door dogs
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system incorporates both manually operable door dogs for routine operations and tool-locked door dogs for secure locking when needed. The system dynamically adapts its security level based on operational requirements, allowing quick manual operation for normal use while providing enhanced security through tool-locked mechanisms when higher security is required, without requiring tools for every operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The door dog system serves multiple functions: routine manual operation for normal door securing, and tool-locked operation for enhanced security requirements. By incorporating both types of door dogs in the same system, the design achieves universal applicability for different security needs without requiring completely different latch systems, reducing overall operational complexity while maintaining security options.
4Reliability
If door latches are designed for high G-force resistance, then sealing integrity under acceleration is maintained, but the complexity of withstanding substantial G forces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door dogs are positioned and configured to distribute compression loads around the door perimeter in a manner that counteracts the effects of high G-forces. By strategically placing door dogs at locations that provide opposing force vectors, the system balances the inertial forces generated during rapid acceleration or deceleration, maintaining sealing pressure on the gasket despite substantial G-force events.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch system applies preliminary compression force to the gasket through the door dogs before high G-force events occur. This pre-compression ensures that when acceleration forces act on the closed door, the sealing interface maintains adequate contact pressure. The door dogs are positioned to provide this preliminary sealing force at critical locations, preparing the sealing system to withstand subsequent dynamic loads without compromising integrity.
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 system provides consistent and effective sealing across the entire door perimeter, maintaining integrity during high G-force events and inverted operations, while allowing for easy operation and adjustment of compression loads for optimal sealing.
Implementation Method 1
The lock arm is operable to slide along the first and second ramps, and to seat against the rest surface
Implementation Method 2
distributing compression loads evenly around the door perimeter
Implementation Method 3
a cam latch supported by the shank, and comprising a lock arm operable to slide along the first and second ramps, wherein in response to rotation of the handle
Implementation Method 4
Completely closing and sealing the cabinet with a door (supporting a seal) is critical to prevent ingress of moisture and debris into the cabinet
Data Source
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AI summary
A latch system (112) for locking of a door (106) to a cabinet (102) comprises a latch receiver (114) secured to the cabinet and having first and second ramps (160) and a rest surface (161). The latch system further comprises a door latch (118) comprising a handle (120), a shank (122) coupled to the handle, and a cam latch (124) supported by the shank. In response to rotation of the handle (in either rotational directions), the shank and the cam latch rotate to cause a lock arm (130) of the cam latch to slidably interface with the first and second ramps of the latch receiver, and to seat against the rest surface, thus placing the door latch in a locked position. The latch receiver can have a plurality of ramps, and the lock arm can have a plurality of cam surfaces (166), so that it can be locked from both rotational directions. The door latch can have a compression load adjustment mechanism.