Deformable Latch Mechanism for Dual-Side Tray Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch mechanisms for sliding trays are only accessible from the front, limiting their usability when access is needed from both the front and back.
Innovation Solution
A deformable latch mechanism with notches on the housing and an elongate actuator on the tray, allowing the tray to be retained in multiple positions and enabling actuation from either side by moving a stop between notches, ensuring secure positioning and easy access from either side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional latch mechanism is used, then the tray can be retained in selected positions, but the mechanism is only accessible from the front of the tray
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into two separate notches positioned on opposite sides of the housing, allowing independent access from both front and back. The actuator is also segmented into two elongate members that can be manipulated from either side of the tray.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be actuated from either the front or back of the tray, and it provides retention at multiple positions (first and second notches). This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the mechanism universally accessible from both sides.
2Ease of operation
If the stop is moved laterally away from the inner surface, then access is enabled from both sides, but the tray retention security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The stop is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to shift laterally when force is applied from either side. This dynamic characteristic enables the stop to accommodate actuation from both front and back while maintaining secure retention when engaged with the notches.
Solution Approach 2:
The position of the stop changes based on the direction and magnitude of applied force. When actuated, the stop moves laterally to disengage; when retained, it returns to its biased position to securely engage with the notches, changing its positional parameter to maintain both accessibility and reliability.
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 the tray to be securely positioned and easily moved between multiple positions, allowing access from either side, enhancing usability and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
an inner end of the first elongate member connected to an inner end of the second elongate member at a connection point, a stop positioned at the connection point wherein the stop is biased laterally towards the inner surface
Data Source
AI summary
A latch mechanism for retaining a tray in a selected one of a first, second position and third position. The latch mechanism comprises notches arranged on an inner surface of the housing along an axis parallel to a direction of travel of the tray, an elongate actuator on the tray and opposite the inner surface, the actuator comprising a first elongate member and a second elongate member, an inner end of the first elongate member connected to an inner end of the second elongate member at a connection point, a stop positioned at the connection point wherein the stop is biased laterally towards the inner surface. By increasing a distance between an outer end of the first elongate member and an outer end of the second elongate member the stop is moveable from an unactuated state wherein the stop is engageable by a selected one of the notches and such that the tray is retainable in a selected one of the first, second and third position, to an actuated state wherein the stop moves laterally against the biasing force away from the inner surface and such that the stop is no longer engageable by one of the notches.