Electromechanical Rotary Pawl Latch for Door Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch designs fail to provide reliable compression between two members, reverse operation, obstruction detection, premature latching prevention, continuous latching during power failure, and manual opening functionality.
Innovation Solution
A rotary pawl electromechanical latch with a control circuit that detects the striker's position, activates a motor to apply compression, reverses operation upon obstruction or premature latching, and allows manual opening during power failure, using a combination of motors, gears, and sensors for reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a traditional latch design is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot provide reliable compression between two members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical compression mechanisms with an electromechanical system. A motor-driven cam mechanism transforms rotational motion into linear compression force, allowing precise control of the compression force between members while maintaining a relatively compact structure. The motor provides controlled force application compared to purely mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch system changes the parameter of force application by using an motor to vary the compression force. The motor can adjust the force magnitude and duration, transforming the latch from a simple mechanical connector to a controllable force application device. This allows the system to provide reliable compression while managing complexity through electronic control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an electromechanical latch with motor control is added, then compression control and reverse operation are enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromechanical latch integrates multiple functions into a single system. The motor-driven cam mechanism provides both compression force application and reverse operation capability through a single mechanism. The control circuit manages multiple functions including obstruction detection, premature latching prevention, and manual override, consolidating what would otherwise require separate systems into one unified latch assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that detect pawl position, striker position, and obstruction conditions. This feedback is fed to the control circuit, which adjusts motor operation accordingly. The feedback system enables reverse operation and obstruction detection without requiring separate independent systems, managing complexity through integrated control.
3Reliability
If obstruction detection and reverse operation are implemented, then reliability improves, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system performs self-diagnosis through integrated sensors that automatically detect obstructions, premature latching, and other abnormal conditions. The control circuit monitors system state continuously and triggers reverse operation or alerts without external intervention. This self-service capability improves reliability by catching issues early while managing complexity through automated monitoring rather than requiring separate detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges obstruction detection sensors, pawl position sensors, and control functions into a single integrated system. Rather than using separate independent systems for detection and control, the design combines these functions into one unified control circuit that manages all monitoring and actuation tasks, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability.
4Ease of operation
If manual opening capability is added for power failure, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a motor-driven actuation system for powered operation and a separate manual release mechanism for powered-outage operation. The manual opening mechanism uses a dedicated lever or button that directly actuates the pawl release, independent of the motor system. This segmentation allows easy manual operation while managing complexity by keeping the manual and automated systems separate rather than integrated.
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
Ensures secure compression between members, detects and reverses operation to prevent obstruction, maintains latching function during power failures, and allows manual opening, enhancing reliability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A motor is then activated that drives the pawl to a second latched position to provide compression between the first member and a second member
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to improvements in latch design. The illustrated embodiment of the present invention is a rotary pawl latch with the capability to provide a compressive force between the first member and the second member. The illustrated embodiment of the present invention is of an electromechanical type. The control circuit of the latch detects when a striker attached to one member, for example a door, has moved the pawl to a first latched position. A motor is then activated that drives the pawl to a second latched position to provide compression between the first member and a second member, for example a door frame.