Guard Door Latch Mechanism With Dual Catch Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing latch mechanism in processing machines, such as wire terminators, causes the guard door to open too quickly and potentially damages the door or injures the operator due to the force applied by a spring plunger.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism with a dual catch position system, where a single depression of the press element releases the first catch position and engages the second catch position, allowing the door to open slowly under gravitational force, reducing the risk of injury or damage by eliminating the need for the plunger's force in the open position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a spring plunger is used to open the guard door, then the door opens quickly and the operator can access the interior rapidly, but the door may damage the guard door or injure the operator due to excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The latch release mechanism is segmented into two distinct stages: a first catch position that releases initially and a second catch position that provides controlled stopping. This segmentation allows the door to open in a controlled manner rather than being propelled fully open by the spring plunger, thereby maintaining quick access while preventing excessive force that could cause injury or damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism acts as an intermediary between the spring plunger and the guard door. By introducing the dual catch position system, the latch mediates the force from the spring plunger, allowing controlled release to the first catch position and then to the second catch position, preventing uncontrolled direct action of the spring plunger on the door that would cause harmful effects.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a latch mechanism with dual catch positions is used, then the opening speed is controlled and safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dual catch position system is merged into a single integrated latch mechanism rather than being separate components. The latch member incorporates both the first catch position and the second catch position as part of its structure, allowing the complex safety function to be achieved through a unified component design rather than multiple separate mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining safety benefits.
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 dual catch position system ensures the guard door opens safely and slowly, preventing damage or injury by controlling the opening speed and reducing the force applied during operation.
Implementation Method 1
A spring plunger biases the guard door toward the open position and, when the operator desires to access the interior of the frame, the latch mechanism is released and the guard door is pushed open to the open position by a force of the spring plunger.
Implementation Method 2
allowing the door to open slowly under gravitational force
Data Source
AI summary
A latch mechanism includes a latch having a first latch protrusion and a second latch protrusion, and a catch having a first catch protrusion and a second catch protrusion. The first catch protrusion engages the first latch protrusion in a first catch position. The second catch protrusion engages the second latch protrusion in a second catch position following release of the first catch position.