Auto-Locking Gated Fastener With Triple-Action Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auto-locking gated fasteners require separate manual actions for latching, which can lead to unintentional release, necessitating a higher level of security to prevent such incidents.
Innovation Solution
A fastener design featuring a sliding gate with resilient means and self-closing latches that automatically lock, requiring three independent actions for release, including two latch releases and gate sliding, to enhance security against unintentional release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single latch mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability against unintentional release deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is divided into two independent latches (first latch and second latch) that operate separately. Each latch provides independent security, so that unintentional release must overcome both latching actions simultaneously, thereby increasing reliability without requiring a single overly complex mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient means automatically engages the latches into the closed position as the gate closes, performing the latching action in advance before any release attempt. This preliminary self-latching action ensures that the fastener is securely locked without requiring additional manual securing steps
2Reliability
If manual latching action is required, then the ease of operation is reduced, but the reliability against unintentional release is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient means is configured to automatically push the gate into the closed position and engage both latches without any manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the closing motion to trigger automatic latching, thereby maintaining ease of operation while achieving high reliability through automatic secure engagement
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
The design effectively prevents unintentional release by ensuring three distinct actions are required for disengagement and automatically locks the fastener upon user release, enhancing operational security and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
resilient means engaging the gate and the shank to urge the gate to the closed position
Implementation Method 2
The resilient means preferably comprises a member or assembly that is resilient, such as a spring (for instance, a helical spring, a leaf spring, a cantilever spring, a gas spring)
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener for releasably securing a member including a body including a shank and a recess, the recess configured for receiving the member. A gate is mounted to slide axially on the shank between a closed position closing a mouth of the recess for retaining the member, and an open position. Resilient means engages the gate and the shank to urge the gate to the closed position, and latches are mounted on opposing sides of the gate, wherein each latch is self-closing and engages the body for holding the gate in the closed position providing an auto-locking fastener that, for greater security, requires three independent actions for release.