Latch Connection Structure to Prevent Impact Disconnection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices in aircraft, such as in-flight entertainment systems, face a risk of accidental disconnection of connection units due to unexpected impacts, posing a safety hazard.
Innovation Solution
The connection device incorporates a latch mechanism with an engagement end that is movable in an upwardly inclined disengagement direction from the engagement position, ensuring smooth detachment even under impact, and optionally uses spring components and engagement components to stabilize the units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a latch mechanism is used to connect units, then the connection can be made and removed, but the connection may be accidentally disconnected by unexpected impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically respond to impact forces. The latch can shift position within its engagement slot to absorb impact energy while maintaining connection, preventing accidental disconnection during unexpected impacts
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement slot is designed with specific geometric parameters (length, orientation, curvature) that allow the latch to move along a controlled path. By changing the orientation angle of the engagement slot relative to the connection axis, the system optimizes both the ease of attachment/detachment and the resistance to impact-induced disconnection
2Device complexity
If the latch is movable in horizontal direction only, then the structure is simple, but the connection may disconnect under vertical impact
Solution Approach 1:
The latch movement is extended from one-dimensional horizontal motion to two-dimensional motion by introducing vertical movement capability through the engagement slot. This allows the latch to respond to impact forces from multiple directions while maintaining connection integrity
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
There is provided a connection device that includes a first unit and a second unit, which are attachably and detachably connected to each other. The connection device includes: a latch that is provided in the first unit and includes an engagement end; and an engagement portion provided in the second unit and configured to engage with the engagement end at an engagement position. The latch is movable in at least a disengagement direction from the engagement position. The disengagement direction is at an angle inclined in an upward direction from the engagement position with respect to a horizontal direction.