LATCH Connector Assembly With Visual Lock Status Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LATCH connectors for child safety seats have complex assembly structures, leading to increased assembly difficulty, reduced efficiency, and potential errors, affecting safety and usability.
Innovation Solution
A simplified LATCH connector design featuring a housing, stand, unlocking assembly, and rotating piece, with a base plate forming a C-shaped cavity, an unlocking button, and a rotating piece that can be riveted or linked by an elastic element, allowing for quick and reliable locking and unlocking, and visual state indication through color-changing display windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex assembly structure is used for LATCH connectors, then the connection reliability is improved, but the assembly difficulty and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functional components into a unified structure. The stand combines the base plate, mounting features, and structural support functions into a single integrated component. The housing integrates the rotating piece, unlocking mechanism, and display components into one cohesive assembly, reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, accommodates the unlocking assembly and rotating piece, and facilitates installation through its integrated base plate design. The housing simultaneously protects internal components, enables rotation for locking/unlocking, and displays status through color-changing indicators, making it a multi-functional component.
2Reliability
If a complex assembly structure is used for LATCH connectors, then the connection reliability is improved, but the assembly efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The stand is designed with pre-formed mounting features and integrated structures that prepare the assembly for rapid installation. The base plate includes pre-positioned mounting holes and integrated connection points, allowing components to be assembled in a predetermined sequence without requiring complex alignment or multiple assembly steps.
3Reliability
If a complex assembly structure is used for LATCH connectors, then the connection reliability is improved, but the operation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing incorporates color-changing display windows that provide visual feedback on the locking status. When the LATCH connector is properly locked, the display shows green; when unlocked or improperly installed, it shows red. This visual indication system simplifies operation by allowing users to quickly verify proper installation without requiring technical knowledge or complex verification procedures.
4Ease of operation
If visual state indication is added to LATCH connector, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display windows are integrated directly into the housing structure, combining the status indication function with the protective housing. The color-changing elements are incorporated within the housing's wall structure, eliminating the need for separate display assemblies or additional mounting components, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity while providing clear visual feedback.
Data Source
AI summary
A latch connector includes a rotating piece linked to an unlocking assembly, which is provided with an unlocking button, an unlocking insert and green display parts; the unlocking insert is inserted into a front portion of the unlocking button, and button parts and the green display parts are disposed in a rear portion of the unlocking button; and a first latch hook which bends inwards with the rotation of the rotating piece is disposed on a front portion of the rotating piece, and a second latch hook which is in contact with the unlocking insert is disposed on a rear portion of the rotating piece. The latch connector can be installed smoothly and rapidly, and can be locked and unlocked quickly; and the state of the latch connector can be displayed more visually, and the safety in use is guaranteed.