Knob-Latch Support Mechanism for Compact Angle Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional supporting mechanisms for wall-mounted devices that integrate angle-adjustment, locking, unlocking, and detachment functions are complex and bulky, often requiring multiple elements and additional springs, which complicates miniaturization and increases assembly steps.

Innovation Solution

A knob-type locking mechanism with a base, knob, and latch member, where the knob's dual actuating portions drive the latch member's bolt in linear-locking and unlocking directions, allowing for adjustable angles and detachment without additional elastic elements, simplifying the structure and reducing component count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional supporting mechanism integrates angle-adjustment, locking, unlocking and detaching functions, then the device can perform multiple functions, but the quantity of elements increases and the structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional integrationVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines locking, unlocking, and angle-adjustment functions into a single integrated mechanism. The knob simultaneously controls the latch member for locking/unlocking and the holder for angle adjustment, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The knob serves multiple purposes: it acts as both a locking control (by moving the latch member) and an angle-adjustment control (by rotating the holder). This multi-functional design reduces structural complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a conventional latch is used for locking or unlocking in a linear manner, then the locking function is achieved, but the latch occupies much space and is disadvantageous for device miniaturization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionVSAvoidlatch space occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The latch member moves in a linear direction perpendicular to the main body of the mechanism, utilizing vertical space rather than horizontal space. This dimensional change allows for a more compact overall structure while maintaining the locking function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch member is positioned within the holder structure, with the bolt extending into the holder's receiving space. This nested arrangement allows the latch to occupy minimal additional space while maintaining effective locking capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If a spring is used for restoring the latch to an original position, then the latch can return to initial state, but the quantity of elements increases and assembly steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelatch restorationVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch member is designed to automatically return to its initial position through its own structural design. The bolt can be pushed forward by the first actuating portion and returns to the unlocked position when the knob is rotated in the second direction, eliminating the need for external springs or additional restoration mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11629814B2Angle-adjustable supporting mechanism and knob-type locking mechanism thereof
Publication Date: 2023.04.18 WISTRON NEWEB CORP
  • US11629814B2 patent drawing
  • US11629814B2 patent drawing
  • US11629814B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An angle-adjustable supporting mechanism that includes a knob-type locking mechanism and a rotatable holder is provided. The knob-type locking mechanism has a base, a knob, and a latch member. The base has a receiving space and a supporting portion. The knob is rotatably received in the receiving space. The latch member is movably received in the supporting portion in a linear direction. The latch member has a bolt, a first stressed part, and a second stressed part. The bolt is disposed at one side of the first stressed part. The first stressed part is disposed between the bolt and the second stressed part. When the knob is rotated in different directions, the bolt of the latch member is drove to lock or release.