Dual-Connection Latch Assembly for Compact Upright Vacuum Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Upright vacuum cleaners face challenges in compact packaging due to larger envelope dimensions, requiring expensive shipping and storage, and existing connection methods are complex and inefficient, often requiring multiple steps and intermediate elements.
Innovation Solution
A device with a first fastening tool, a second receptor, and a movable latch that allows for a single-action connection between two parts, providing two spaced connections for stability, using a bolt and nut configuration with a wedge mechanism for increased stiffness and ease of disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a detachable connection is used to improve packaging compactness, then the product volume to box volume ratio improves, but the connection complexity increases requiring multiple fastening actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated fastening tool. The tool simultaneously creates a first connection through a fastening element (screw, cam, or snap-fit) and a second connection through a movable latch that is actuated by the same fastening tool, thereby reducing the number of user actions required while maintaining dual-connection stability
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening tool is designed with multi-functionality to perform both the primary fastening operation and the secondary latch engagement. This single tool serves multiple purposes: it secures the first connection directly and simultaneously actuates the movable latch to establish the second connection, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations
2Reliability
If multiple connections are established to improve connection stability, then the connection reliability improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates requiring multiple fastening tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of multiple fastening tools into a single integrated tool. The fastening tool simultaneously establishes both the first connection (through the fastening element) and the second connection (by actuating the movable latch), thereby maintaining high connection reliability through dual connections while significantly improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The movable latch is pre-positioned and designed to be actuated by the same fastening tool that creates the first connection. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the user applies the fastening tool, both connections are established in a coordinated manner without requiring additional tools or steps, thus maintaining stability while improving operability
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 solution enables stable and efficient connection of two parts with minimal user effort, ensuring stability against various loads and allowing for easy disassembly, suitable for compact packaging and storage of upright vacuum cleaners and similar appliances.
Implementation Method 1
a movable latch for engaging with the first receptor, wherein said first and second parts are arranged for being connected together by a single act of engaging the first fastening tool with the second receptor to establish a first connection between the first and second parts
Implementation Method 2
using a bolt and nut configuration with a wedge mechanism for increased stiffness
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A device comprising a first part and a second part that comprise a first fastening tool (FT1), a first receptor (R1), a second receptor (R2) for engaging with the first fastening tool (FT1), and a movable latch (L) for engaging with the first receptor (R1), wherein a single act of engaging the first fastening tool (FT1) with the second receptor (R2) to establish a first connection between the first and second parts, also makes the movable latch (L) engage with the first receptor (R1) to establish a second connection between the first and second parts, the second connection being spaced apart from the first connection, whereby both the first and second connections result from operating only the first fastening tool (FT1).