Latch Apparatus with Dual Actuation for Selective Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Latches used to hold and release closure members often lack efficient mechanisms for selective actuation, particularly in responding to both electrical and mechanical signals, leading to limitations in accessibility and security applications.
Innovation Solution
A latch design featuring a jaw held in a latched position by a pawl, which can be selectively moved from an engaged to a disengaged position using either an electric actuator or a mechanical actuating end, allowing the striker to disengage and reengage, enabling controlled access to an interior area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a latch uses only mechanical actuation, then the structure is simple, but the accessibility and automation capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is designed to accept multiple types of actuation signals - both mechanical input and electrical signals. The electrical actuator can be triggered by electrical signals from external systems, while the mechanical actuating end accepts direct mechanical input. This multi-functionality allows the same latch mechanism to operate in different modes depending on the application requirements, thereby improving adaptability without requiring separate latch systems for different actuation types.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism that converts electrical signals into mechanical motion to disengage the pawl from the jaw. This intermediary component enables electrical control of the latch while the core mechanical latching mechanism remains relatively simple. The actuator bridges between the electrical control system and the mechanical latch components, allowing automated operation without completely redesigning the mechanical structure.
2Ease of operation
If a latch provides both electrical and mechanical actuation options, then accessibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is segmented into two independent pathways: an electrical actuation pathway with the electrical actuator, and a mechanical actuation pathway with the actuating end. Each pathway operates independently and can be used based on the specific application needs. This segmentation allows the system to provide both electrical and mechanical accessibility without requiring a single complex mechanism to handle both types of input, thereby managing complexity through modular design.
3Reliability
If the pawl is always engaged with the jaw, then the latch is secure, but the closure member cannot be released
Solution Approach 1:
The pawl is designed to be dynamically positionable between two states: engaged with the jaw for secure latching, and disengaged from the jaw for release. The electrical actuator and mechanical actuating end provide means to transition the pawl between these states. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain high security during normal operation (pawl engaged) while enabling easy release when needed (pawl disengaged), resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A latch (10) includes a rotatable jaw (18) that engages and holds a striker (32) in a latched position. A rotatable pawl (28) 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) or through movement of an actuating end (26) of the pawl by a cable (36).