Dual-Lever Latch Assembly for Secure Release Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch assemblies are not easily scalable, have inconsistent manufacturing, are difficult to latch and release, prone to accidental release, hard to manufacture, difficult to use, unreliable, and may get stuck or be weaker.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly featuring a buckle housing with h-shaped levers, a spring ring, and a latch tongue with a flange, where the levers pivot about the spring ring and require simultaneous pressing to release, ensuring secure coupling and selective release, and can be applied to various structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional push button latches are used, then the latch mechanism is simple in structure, but the manufacturing consistency is poor and reliability is low
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the button assembly, the cam mechanism, the spring-loaded plunger, and the latch arm. Each segment performs a specific function and can be manufactured and assembled independently, improving overall reliability while maintaining manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch employs dynamic elements including a spring-loaded plunger that automatically returns to its initial position, a cam mechanism that converts rotational motion to linear motion for reliable engagement, and a button that triggers sequential disengagement. These dynamic features ensure consistent operation and high reliability.
2Ease of operation
If traditional latch mechanisms are used, then the design is simple, but the latching and release operation is difficult and not user-friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The button serves as an intermediary element that the user directly manipulates to initiate the release sequence. When pressed, it triggers the cam mechanism which then automatically coordinates the disengagement of the latch arm and plunger, making the operation intuitive and easy for users while managing the underlying mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded plunger is pre-positioned in a ready state, constantly urging the latch arm toward engagement. The cam mechanism is pre-configured with its lobes positioned to automatically guide the disengagement sequence once triggered by the button, eliminating the need for complex user manipulation during operation.
3Reliability
If traditional latch designs are used, then the components are simple, but the mechanism is prone to accidental release and getting stuck
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded plunger continuously applies a preliminary counteracting force to prevent accidental disengagement. The cam mechanism's lobe geometry is designed to require a specific directional force (button press) to overcome the spring pressure and initiate release, effectively preventing unintended activation while maintaining simple component design.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional latch mechanisms are used, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but the manufacturing consistency and precision are inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the latch into modular components (button, cam, plunger, latch arm), each part can be manufactured using optimized processes for its specific geometry and material requirements, then assembled with precise fitments. This segmentation enables better quality control and manufacturing consistency without significantly complicating the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic elements (springs, cam lobes, movable arms) are designed with built-in compliance and tolerance compensation features that accommodate normal manufacturing variations. The spring-loaded plunger, for example, can compensate for minor dimensional variations in the latch arm, maintaining consistent performance while allowing for easier manufacturing.
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 assembly provides a lightweight, reliable, and secure latching mechanism that reduces accidental separation and is scalable, with improved manufacturing ease and user control.
Implementation Method 1
a spring ring that may be disposed between the pair of h-shaped levers
Implementation Method 2
a spring ring that may be disposed between the pair of h-shaped levers
Data Source
AI summary
A latch assembly having a latch buckle and a latch tongue. The latch buckle includes: a buckle housing; a first lateral aperture disposed along a first side of the buckle housing; a second lateral aperture disposed along a second side of the buckle housing; a pair of h-shaped levers, each pivotally coupled to an interior of the buckle housing; a spring ring disposed between the pair of h-shaped levers; a pair of springs, each spring being coupled to an interior of the buckle housing and an h-shaped lever; and a buckle aperture disposed along a top of the buckle housing and between the pair of h-shaped levers. The latch tongue includes: a tongue plate; a plate spacer, coupled to the tongue plate; and a latch flange, coupled to the plate spacer, configured to be received by the buckle aperture. The latch tongue is selectably coupled to the latch base.