Elastic Pull Latch for Single-Handed Stacked Box Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch structures for stacked objects, such as boxes or crates, are inconvenient to unlatch as they require both hands to separate, making it difficult to release individual items from a stack.
Innovation Solution
The proposed latch structure features elastic pull latches with a vertically moving boss and catch mechanism, allowing each latch to be pulled out and held in a released position with one hand, enabling single-handed release of stacked carriers by preventing inward retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional latch structure is used to connect stacked carriers, then the carriers can be securely connected, but the latch requires two hands to unlatch which reduces operational convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism employs dynamic elements including an elastic boss that can move between engaged and disengaged positions, and a catch that can be held in a blocked position. The elastic pull latch allows the user to pull the latch bar outward to disengage the catch from the latch groove, transforming the static locking mechanism into a dynamic one that can be easily operated with one hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic boss acts as an intermediary element between the catch and the latch groove. When the latch is pulled outward, the elastic boss moves to block the catch, preventing it from re-engaging with the latch groove. This intermediary mechanism enables single-handed operation by providing a visual and tactile indicator of the latch state while maintaining secure connection.
2Reliability
If the latch structure uses a simple connection mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the connection between stacked carriers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism employs a nested structure where the catch is received within the latch groove, and the elastic boss is positioned within the latch body to interact with the catch. The catch groove is nested within the bottom surface of the upper carrier, creating a multi-level nested arrangement that enhances connection reliability through geometric interlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch bar features a curved upper end with a slope on its inner side, and the catch groove has a corresponding curved configuration. This curvature design allows the catch to smoothly engage with the latch groove and provides a mechanical advantage that enhances the reliability of the connection while maintaining ease of operation.
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
This design allows for convenient, single-handed separation and release of stacked carriers, improving usability by enabling the sequential release of latches without requiring both hands.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic boss capable of moving vertically is mounted inside the elastic pull latch
Implementation Method 2
A first spring extending horizontally is fitted inside the elastic pull latch
Data Source
AI summary
A latch structure comprising an elastic pull latch is disclosed. The top of the elastic pull latch includes a latch bar configured with a latch groove. The elastic pull latch also includes an elastic boss that moves in and out of the latch cover of the pull latch. On both sides of a box, an elastic pull latch is provided at the top and a catch groove having a catch affixed to the lower edge is provided at the bottom. When two boxes are stacked together, the catch in the catch groove of the upper box is snapped into the latch groove of the elastic pull latch of the lower box to securely connect the two boxes. When the latch is released, the catch of the upper box blocks the elastic boss of the latch of the lower box to prevent the latch from retracting inwards.