Electronic Trigger Rotary Pawl Latch for Secure Compartment Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trucks' compartments are insecure due to physical key-based locking systems, which are inconvenient, prone to misplacement, and vulnerable in adverse weather conditions, with difficulty in determining if compartments are fully latched to avoid inadvertent opening during transit.
Innovation Solution
An electronic trigger rotary pawl latch system that uses a housing with a plug receiver, angled tabs, rotary and trigger pawls, and a gear motor, controlled by a keypad, to provide secure locking and easy access without physical keys, ensuring the compartment is fully latched and easily opened with a passcode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical key-based locking systems are used, then the compartment can be locked securely, but the system becomes inconvenient due to key misplacement and difficulty in identification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key-based locking system with an electronic control system. The electronic trigger rotary pawl latch uses an electric motor to rotate the pawl mechanism, eliminating the need for physical keys. The controller receives signals from remote devices or keypads to actuate the latch, substituting mechanical key insertion and turning with electronic signaling and automated motor-driven operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic latch system provides self-service functionality through automated operation. The motor automatically positions the pawl to engage or disengage the latch based on electronic signals, eliminating the need for manual key manipulation. The system can also provide visual feedback through indicators to show latched status, allowing the user to verify operation without physical inspection.
2Reliability
If physical keys are used in adverse weather conditions, then the locking function can be performed, but the keys are exposed to moisture and may freeze making access difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key system that is directly exposed to weather conditions with an electronic control system housed within the compartment. The controller and motor are positioned inside the protected compartment, away from direct weather exposure. Remote devices or keypads can be used to actuate the latch without the user needing to insert physical keys into exposed lock mechanisms during adverse weather.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If visual indication of latched status is provided, then the user can determine if the compartment is fully latched, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual indicators that change appearance based on the latched status. LED indicators or color-coded elements provide clear visual feedback to the user about whether the compartment is securely latched. For example, a green indicator may show when the pawl is engaged with the latch, while a red indicator may show when it is disengaged, providing intuitive status information without complex displays.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic trigger rotary latch includes a trigger cutout, a controller in electrical communication with a plug receiver. Springs are engaged to the latch and trigger pawls. A gear motor having an actuator engages a surface of the trigger pawl. A handle includes a striker bolt and an electrical plug. In an unlatched configuration the striker bolt is separated from the latch pawl, an electrical circuit is open, the latch pawl spring has reduced compression, the trigger pawl spring has increased compression, and the trigger tip is engaged to a latch tab. The actuator has moved the lower leg in the trigger cutout. In the latched configuration, the striker bolt is held by the latch pawl, an electrical circuit is closed, the trigger tip is engaged to the latch shoulder, and the trigger leg has been moved in the trigger cutout in an opposite direction.