Latch Bracket Structure for Flush-Closing Enclosure Doors

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door fastening systems for medium-voltage power equipment enclosures struggle to retain fastening hardware while ensuring the door closes flush against the mounting surface, which is crucial for containing arc faults.

Innovation Solution

The use of latch brackets with an engagement aperture and a recessed aperture allows for the retention of fastening hardware on the door, enabling it to sit flush against the mounting surface when closed, while also securing the door to the door frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If door fastening hardware is retained on the door while open, then the door can be quickly secured when needed, but the door cannot close completely flush against the mounting surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor fastening operationVSAvoiddoor flush closure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer washer is extracted from the door surface and relocated to the latch bracket housing. This removes the obstruction from the door's closure path, allowing the door to sit flush against the mounting surface while the fastening hardware remains retained on the door through the engagement aperture and recessed aperture mechanism in the latch bracket

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch bracket serves as an intermediary component between the door fastening hardware and the mounting surface. It provides the engagement aperture to receive the bolt and the recessed aperture to receive the retainer washer, mediating the conflict between retaining hardware and achieving flush closure by holding the washer in its housing rather than on the door

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the door is required to close flush against the mounting surface to contain arc faults, then enclosure integrity is improved, but the ability to retain fastening hardware on the open door is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenclosure integrity during arc faultVSAvoidfastening hardware retention

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer washer function is extracted from the door and relocated to the latch bracket housing. This allows the door surface to be completely flush against the mounting surface for arc fault containment, while the fastening hardware is still retained through the engagement aperture and recessed aperture in the latch bracket

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch bracket acts as an intermediary that enables both flush closure for safety and hardware retention for operational convenience. The engagement aperture receives the bolt and the recessed aperture receives the retainer washer, creating a mediating structure that resolves the conflict between enclosure integrity and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12331569B2Systems and methods of one or more latch brackets

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 TOSHIBA INTERNATIONAL CORP

AI summary

A cabinet including a door, a fastener, and a latch bracket is provided. The fastener is extending at least partially through an aperture in the door. The latch bracket is located on an internal surface of a door frame to secure the door to the door frame. A retainer washer is disposed around the fastener and disposed between the latch bracket and the door in order to retain the fastener when in a disengaged position.