Flush Compression Latch for Snag-Free Boat Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compression latches on boats often have protruding locking cams that can snag and damage fishing lines and ropes when folded, leading to lost fishing time and opportunities, especially in commercial and tournament fishing contexts.
Innovation Solution
A compression latch design featuring a T-shaped handle that is foldable and reversible, with a cam lock system that keeps the keying element and locking cam flush with the uppermost surface when folded, preventing protrusion and minimizing the risk of entanglement with fishing lines and ropes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking cam is exposed and protrudes from the uppermost surface when the handle is folded, then the keying element can be accessed, but ropes and fishing lines can become caught on the protruding locking cam
Solution Approach 1:
The locking cam is recessed into the body of the compression latch, creating a nested configuration where the locking cam is contained within the overall structure. This nesting ensures that when the handle is folded, the locking cam does not protrude beyond the uppermost surface, preventing ropes and fishing lines from becoming caught while still allowing key access through the recessed configuration
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the locking cam is recessed to prevent protrusion, then ropes and fishing lines cannot be snagged, but the keying element may not be easily accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The uppermost surface of the body is designed with a localized recessed area that specifically accommodates the locking cam and keying element. This local modification to the surface geometry creates a flush configuration that prevents protrusion while maintaining easy access to the keying element through the recessed opening, solving both the snagging prevention and accessibility requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A compression latch having a body including a cup having a well defining a first side of the compression latch, an exterior portion defining a second side opposite the first side, and a raised portion defining a peripheral rim surrounding the cup, the peripheral rim providing an uppermost surface of the cup is disclosed. The compression latch has a T-shaped handle mounted to the body, the T-shaped handle being foldable and reversible and having a cam lock mounted thereon, the cam lock having a keying element on one side of the handle and a rotatable locking cam on the second side of the handle, wherein when the T-shaped handle is folded in a first position, the keying element is exposed and does not protrude beyond the uppermost surface of the cup and when the T-shaped handle is reversed and folded in a second position, the rotatable locking cam is exposed and does no protrude beyond the uppermost surface of the cup.