Guided-Axle Latch Locking Part for Space-Limited Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door hinge latch designs with small latches face challenges in compact dimensioning and efficient locking due to space constraints, limiting optimal manufacturing and safety during assembly and operation.
Innovation Solution
A latch locking part with an elongated aperture guide and a connecting link that transfers spring motion, allowing the latch to move from unlocked to locked positions without direct coupling to the hinge body, featuring a U-shaped cross-section and embossed arms for smooth transition and secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the latch locking part is directly coupled to the hinge body through a fixed horizontal axle, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the space required for manipulation and movement of components increases, making it unsuitable for compact designs
Solution Approach 1:
The latch locking part is divided into two separate components: the latch (2) and the locking part (1). The locking part can rotate independently around the horizontal axle while the latch remains fixed, allowing compact positioning of components and reducing the space required for manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking part is designed to rotate around a horizontal axle that is perpendicular to the latch's movement direction. This dimensional separation allows the locking mechanism to operate in a different spatial plane, reducing interference and space requirements for component movement.
2Ease of manufacture
If the latch locking part is designed with direct coupling to the hinge body, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but the ability to compensate for assembly errors and tolerances is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking part is designed to rotate dynamically around the horizontal axle, allowing it to adapt to variations in assembly position and tolerance. This rotational freedom enables the mechanism to self-adjust and compensate for manufacturing imperfections while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
3Device complexity
If the latch locking part uses a single point pivot connection, then the structure is simple, but the control over latch movement from unlocked to locked position is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal axle serves as an intermediary element between the locking part and the hinge body. It allows the locking part to rotate independently while maintaining a stable connection point, providing both structural simplicity and controlled movement capability.
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
Enables secure door locking and compensation for assembly errors, preventing uncontrolled closing and injuries during mounting, while maintaining compact design and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a connecting link, wherein the connecting link is on one side connected to the spring guide via a roller axis which is movable within said curved sections
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The subject of the invention is a locking part of a latch for the door hinge and provides technical solution of locking the door hinge in those hinges with small latches due to limited space. The subject of the invention may also be applied to other latches where there is no space limitation, since the technical solution provides not only compact design but also mechanical characteristics and last but not least, convenient price. The locking part of the latch features a simple design and is made of a single metal piece. Both arms of the lower part of the latch locking part are secured with an axle of the latch locking part, routed through a guide executed on the latch. The latch guide enables travelling of the axle of the locking part of the latch along the guide. On the upper part of the locking part of the latch a lock member of the locking part of the latch is configured, which enables form fitting of the latch with the locking part of the latch once the locking part is in the locked position. After inserting the latch into the supporting profile, the door is slightly opened, which enables the moving of the locking part of the latch to the locked position. By closing the door the axle of the locking part of the latch is autonomously moving along the executed guide of the latch until it reaches the appropriate position, where the lock member of the locking part of the latch sits into the contact surface of the latch, i.e. it snaps into the space between the latch and the supporting profile. The lock member of the locking part of the latch is designed to enable, once it is mounted, that the supporting profile is pushing it into the correspondingly shaped contact surface of the latch, thus the idle motion and vibration of the kitchen cabinet door is prevented.