Latch Mechanism With Deflectable Cords For Secure Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional attachment mechanisms in devices, such as screws, make disassembly difficult and compromise the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the device, while being easily accessible to unauthorized users.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism with a protruding latch member that inserts between deflectable cords, deflecting and securing them within a locking portion to attach components, providing a secure yet accessible connection that maintains the device's integrity and appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screws or rigid attachment means are used to secure internal components, then the attachment strength and structural integrity are improved, but the ease of disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is divided into multiple components: a latch member with distinct insertion portion and locking portion, and separate deflectable members (cords). This segmentation allows the insertion portion to be thin for easy insertion while the locking portion provides strong retention, resolving the contradiction between easy disassembly and strong attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable members (cords) are designed to be flexible and deflectable, allowing them to move dynamically during insertion and locking. This dynamic property enables the cords to be deflected apart during insertion for easy access, then resiliently return to secure the latch member firmly, achieving both ease of operation and strong attachment.
2Ease of operation
If screws extend through holes in the housing for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful aspect (extending screws through housing) is extracted and replaced by a different mechanism. The latch member is inserted through a opening but the cords and locking mechanism remain contained within the housing, eliminating the need for external screw heads that compromise housing integrity while maintaining accessibility through the opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable cords act as intermediaries between the latch member and the housing. Instead of the latch member directly engaging the housing through extending screws, the cords mediate the connection by deflecting and resiliently receiving the latch member, providing both accessibility and housing protection.
3Strength
If rigid attachment means are used, then the attachment strength is improved, but the device susceptibility to unauthorized disassembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic, flexible nature of the cords makes the attachment mechanism more resistant to unauthorized disassembly. The cords require specific deflection and tension to release the latch, creating a more secure connection compared to rigid screws that can be easily manipulated. The resilient property of the cords provides a mechanical barrier against casual tampering.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy attachment and release of internal components while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic appeal, preventing unauthorized disassembly by hiding the attachment mechanism within the device.
Implementation Method 1
at least two deflectable members disposed adjacent and spaced apart from each other... The distal insertion portion is dimensioned to facilitate insertion of the latch member therebetween and to deflect the at least two deflectable members away from one another
Implementation Method 2
the locking portion being dimensioned to resiliently receive the at least two deflectable members upon advancement of the latch member between the deflectable members and to inhibit retraction of the latch member from between the at least two deflectable members
Data Source
AI summary
Latch mechanism devices for attaching components within a device and methods of use are provided herein. In one aspect, the latch mechanism includes a pair of deflectable members between which a protruding latch member, such as a latch pin, is inserted thereby separating the deflectable members. A latch pin can have a distal insertion portion and a proximal locking portion, the locking portion having a reduced profile so as to resiliently receive the deflectable members displaced by insertion of the latch pin so as to couple the latch pin between the cords. The latch pin can have insertion faces and locking faces angled so as to control the force required to insert and retract the latch pin from the cord pair. The latch mechanism may utilize releasing mechanisms for separating or reducing tension in the deflectable members to facilitate retraction of the latch pin.