Double Throw Latch Mechanism Prevents Inadvertent Case Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Carrying cases intended for multiple users face challenges in preventing inadvertent opening, as combination locks or key locks are impractical and security requirements at airports prohibit locking, making it difficult to secure valuable or fragile items without risking accidental opening by handlers.
Innovation Solution
A double throw, triple action latch mechanism with a locking feature that includes a latch release movable between locked and release positions, preventing inadvertent pivotal motion and ensuring the case remains closed unless intentionally opened by engaging the latch release, utilizing a spring-loaded locking member to secure the latch mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If combination locks or key locks are used to prevent inadvertent opening, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: a latch body with locking element, a separate latch release with button, and a spring-loaded locking member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, providing secure locking through the locking member engaging the latch body, while ease of operation is maintained through the simple button-press interface of the latch release.
2Reliability
If combination locks or key locks are used to prevent inadvertent opening, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded locking member automatically engages with the latch body to secure the case closed, and automatically disengages when the latch release button is pressed. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex combination locks or key locks, providing reliable security through a simple, automatic spring-loaded system that requires no user programming or multiple components.
3Ease of operation
If the latch body is made movable to allow opening, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inadvertent pivotal motion
Solution Approach 1:
Before the latch body can pivot to open the case, the latch release button must first be pressed to preliminary disengage the spring-loaded locking member from the latch body. This preliminary action removes the mechanical constraint that prevents inadvertent opening, allowing controlled movement only after the user has intentionally activated the release mechanism.
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 mechanism effectively prevents accidental opening of the case, providing enhanced security without the need for combination or key locks, ensuring the case remains closed until intentionally opened by the user, thus safeguarding valuable or fragile items.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded locking member engaged with the latch body
Data Source
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AI summary
A carrying case includes a top case shell (12) hinged to a bottom case shell (14) which may be maintained in a closed position by a double throw, triple action latch mechanism (16) comprising a latch body (34) pivotally mounted to the bottom case shell, a latch locking element (36) pivotally mounted to the latch body and a latch release (38) coupled to the latch body. With the case in the closed position, the latch locking element engages a seat formed in the top case shell and clamps the two shells together. After moving the latch release to a release position, the latch body may be pivoted relative to the bottom case shell to permit disengagement of the latch locking mechanism from the top shell allowing the case to be opened.