Dynamic Latch Mechanism for Electrical Enclosure Pressure Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional door latches for electrical equipment enclosures fail to prevent the door from opening during a short circuit overcurrent condition due to insufficient latching force against high-pressure arcs, which can lead to the release of hot gases and debris.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly with a moveable member that increases latching force in response to high-pressure conditions, utilizing a bias spring and a moment arm configuration to maintain the door in a closed position during short circuit faults, without requiring additional locking mechanisms like bolts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional latch mechanism with a bias spring is used, then the latch can be simple in construction, but it fails to provide sufficient latching force against high-pressure arcs during short circuit conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism transitions from a static bias spring system to a dynamic system where the moveable member rotates in response to pressure changes. The moment arm configuration allows the latch to dynamically adjust and amplify latching force during high-pressure events without requiring complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the latch by introducing a moveable member that rotates through different positions. This rotation changes the effective moment arm length, allowing the system to provide enhanced latching force during short circuit conditions while maintaining simplicity during normal operation.
2Device complexity
If the latch uses a standard moment arm configuration, then the structure remains simple, but it cannot generate sufficient counteracting torque to prevent door opening under high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The moment arm is made dynamic through the rotating moveable member. During normal operation, the moment arm maintains a standard configuration for simplicity. During high-pressure events, the moveable member's rotation changes the moment arm's effective length and orientation, dynamically increasing the counteracting torque without requiring a more complex static structure.
3Reliability
If additional locking mechanisms like bolts are added to increase latching force, then the latching reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism serves itself by using the high-pressure conditions to activate the moveable member's rotation, which automatically amplifies the latching force. This self-activating mechanism eliminates the need for additional locking components like bolts, maintaining reliability enhancement without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding more components, the invention changes the operational parameters of the existing latch components. The moveable member's rotation changes the moment arm parameters dynamically, providing enhanced latching reliability through parameter modification rather than component multiplication.
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
Effectively prevents the enclosure door from opening during high-pressure events, ensuring containment of internal pressures and preventing the release of hazardous materials.
Implementation Method 1
a bias spring anchored between the latch member and the enclosure and disposed to apply a bias force in a first latching direction
Implementation Method 2
The tab is configured to contact the latch member to facilitate rotation of the latch member around the axis of rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A latch for an electrical device enclosure, wherein the latch comprises a moveable member operable in response to high pressure conditions inside the enclosure, and is configured to prevent opening of the enclosure in the event of high pressure conditions inside the enclosure.