Dual-Actuation Latch with Rotatable Jaw and Pawl
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch technologies lack efficient mechanisms for selective release in response to either electrical or mechanical actuation, limiting their versatility and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A latch system that includes a jaw and a pawl, where the pawl is selectively held in a latched position by a pawl spring and can be moved to an unlatched position through either an electric actuator or a mechanically actuated cable, allowing for flexible operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a latch uses only mechanical actuation, then the structure is simple, but the versatility and ease of use are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to accept multiple types of actuation inputs (electrical motor actuator and manual cable operation) while maintaining a single unified latching mechanism. The pawl-engagement system serves as a universal interface that can be actuated through different means, allowing the same latch to function in both automated and manual modes without requiring separate mechanisms for each actuation type.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable mechanism serves as an intermediary element that translates manual operational input into mechanical movement of the latch components. The cable connects the external manual operation to the internal pawl engagement mechanism, acting as a mediator between user input and the latching action, while the motor actuator serves as an intermediary that converts electrical signals into mechanical movement of the same pawl mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a latch uses electrical actuator, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical operation of the latch is replaced with an automated motor actuator that electrically controls the pawl engagement mechanism. The motor actuator substitutes for manual cable operation, converting electrical signals into mechanical movement to engage and disengage the pawl from the jaw, thereby automating the latching and unlatching processes while maintaining compatibility with the existing mechanical latching structure.
3Productivity
If a latch requires manual cable operation, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity and speed of operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The motor actuator operates in periodic cycles to rapidly engage and disengage the pawl mechanism. Instead of requiring continuous manual cable manipulation, the actuator delivers periodic mechanical impulses that quickly move the pawl into or out of engagement with the jaw, significantly reducing the time required for latching and unlatching operations while maintaining the fundamental mechanical latching structure.
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 latch system enables reliable and selective engagement and disengagement of the striker, allowing for secure closure and easy access to an interior area, while also providing flexibility in operation through both electrical and mechanical actuation.
Implementation Method 1
The pawl is selectively held in the latched position by a pawl spring
Data Source
AI summary
A latch (10,120,200) includes a rotatable jaw (18, 124, 204) that engages and holds a striker (32,128,210) in a latched position. A rotatable pawl (28, 132, 214) in an engaged position is operative to hold the jaw in the latched position. Movement of the pawl to a disengaged position enables the jaw to move to an unlatched position and to disengage the striker. The pawl is movable from the engaged position to the disengaged position through operation of either an electrical actuator (84, 152, 236) or through movement of an actuating end (26, 142, 224) of the pawl by a cable or similar mechanical connector (36, 246).