Latch Assembly with Parallel Axes for Striker Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Latch assemblies lack improvements in design that enhance their operational efficiency and reliability in holding closure members in a closed position relative to body members, particularly in terms of rotational axes alignment and release mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly design featuring a housing with a latch and drive lug in rotatable connection at parallel axes, where the drive lug rotates upon striking, causing the latch to rotate and extend on either side of the striker to secure the closure member, and a release paw that engages or disengages to allow opening, utilizing a trigger release mechanism for selective operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the latch and drive lug are positioned to extend on either side of the striker when closed, then the reliability of holding the closure member in the closed position is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the additional release paw mechanism required to engage and disengage the latch
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is designed to automatically engage with the striker when the closure member is closed, without requiring manual intervention. The drive lug automatically positions the latch relative to the striker, and the release paw automatically engages with the latch to hold it in the engaged position, allowing the system to secure itself through the closing motion alone
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly is divided into distinct functional components: the latch body that engages the striker, the drive lug that transmits closing force, and the release paw that controls engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to achieve reliable securing without excessive overall complexity
2Ease of operation
If the first axis is spaced apart from the second axis on the housing, then the ease of operation is improved by allowing independent rotation of the latch and drive lug, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper alignment and spacing of the parallel axes
Solution Approach 1:
The latch and drive lug are designed with independent rotational capabilities around their respective parallel axes, allowing each component to move dynamically during operation. The spaced-apart parallel axes enable the drive lug to rotate independently to receive the striker while the latch rotates independently to engage and disengage, providing flexible operation
Solution Approach 2:
The parallel axis configuration serves multiple functions: it allows the drive lug to rotate for receiving closing forces, enables the latch to rotate for engagement and disengagement, and maintains proper spacing to prevent interference between components. This multi-functional design achieves ease of operation through a standardized parallel axis arrangement that can be manufactured with conventional precision
Data Source
AI summary
A latch assembly is provided that includes a housing. The latch assembly also includes a latch in rotatable connection with the housing at a first axis. The latch assembly also includes a drive lug in rotatable connection with the housing at a second axis, wherein the first axis is spaced apart from the second axis on the housing. Rotation of the drive lug in a first rotational direction responsive to a striker acting on a first portion of the drive lug is operative to cause the latch to rotate in the same first rotational direction as the drive lug, such that a first portion of the latch moves in transverse relation relative to the striker to a position in which the striker extends between the first portion of the drive lug and the first portion of the latch.