Multi-Point Door Latch with Rotatable Pawl and Pivot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door and window latching systems on boats lack a reliable and efficient mechanism for secure locking and easy operation, particularly in environments where moisture and movement can compromise traditional locking methods.
Innovation Solution
A latching system comprising a first snap stop member with a rotatable pawl, a second snap stop member with a pivot, and a handle that converts rotation into the necessary movements to engage and disengage these components, ensuring secure locking and easy operation, with optional additional snap stop members and transmission mechanisms for enhanced security and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional locking mechanism is used, then the door or window can be secured, but the operation becomes complex and difficult to operate in marine environments
Solution Approach 1:
The latching system is divided into multiple independent snap stop members (first snap stop member with pawl, second snap stop member with pivot, and optionally third and fourth snap stop members), each handling a specific latching function. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and reliable while collectively providing secure multi-point latching without complex operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap stop members are designed to automatically engage and latch when the door or window is closed, without requiring manual intervention for each individual latching action. The system self-secures through the mechanical action of closing the door, which automatically actuates the pawl and pivot mechanisms to engage with their respective stops.
2Reliability
If multiple snap stop members are used to enhance security, then the locking reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple snap stop members (first, second, and optionally third and fourth) are combined into a single integrated latching system that operates through one handle. The transmission mechanisms merge the rotational motion of the single handle into coordinated movements of multiple pawls and pivots, providing multi-point security without requiring multiple separate controls or complex independent mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The single handle serves multiple functions by simultaneously controlling the first and second (and optionally third and fourth) snap stop members through the transmission mechanisms. This multi-functionality allows one simple component to manage the complexity of multiple latching points, maintaining ease of operation while enhancing security.
3Ease of operation
If a single handle controls multiple snap stop members, then the ease of operation improves, but the transmission mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Transmission mechanisms act as intermediaries between the simple rotational input of the single handle and the multiple latching actions required. These transmission mechanisms translate and distribute the rotational motion to the appropriate snap stop members, shielding the user from the underlying mechanical complexity while maintaining simple operation.
4Reliability
If the pawl is made rotatable about a vertical axis, then the latching engagement is secure, but the mechanism becomes more sensitive to moisture and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The pawl is designed to rotate about a vertical axis rather than a horizontal axis, changing the orientation parameter of the latching mechanism. This vertical rotation provides secure engagement with the stop member while reducing sensitivity to moisture and movement, as the vertical axis orientation is more resistant to the effects of marine environmental factors.
Data Source
AI summary
A latching system for a door or window that includes a first snap stop member adapted to be arranged at a side edge of a leaf of the door or window, the first stop member includes a pawl rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the plane defined by the leaf; a second snap stop member adapted to be arranged at an upper edge of the leaf, the second stop member comprising a pivot translatable in a vertical direction; a handle rotatable so as to control the releasing movement of the first and second stop members, the handle being rotatable about a horizontal axis parallel to the plane defined by the leaf; and a first and a second transmission mechanism for converting a rotation of the handle into a rotation of the pawl and a translation of the pivot, respectively.