Latch Device Downsizing via Pivotal Support Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch devices face challenges in downsizing while maintaining locking force and rigidity, as reducing the size of components compromises the structural integrity and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The latch device incorporates a sliding body with a striking portion and cam groove, along with an engaging body that pivots between locking and release positions, featuring a claw portion and protruding portions to optimize space usage and support, allowing for a more compact design without compromising locking force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the size of components is reduced to downsize the latch device, then the compactness is improved, but the locking force and rigidity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the pivotal supporting portion from a conventional location to a position between the striking portion and cam groove, utilizing spatial optimization in multiple dimensions. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the engaging body to maintain adequate length for locking force while reducing the overall latch device footprint, thereby resolving the contradiction between compactness and locking force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic pivot position design where the engaging body rotates around the repositioned pivotal supporting portion. This dynamic mechanism allows the claw portion to effectively engage and disengage the striker while maintaining structural integrity, achieving both compactness and sufficient locking force through optimized motion dynamics.
2Volume of moving object
If the size of components is reduced to downsize the latch device, then the compactness is improved, but the rigidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By repositioning the pivotal supporting portion between the striking portion and cam groove, the patent optimizes the spatial arrangement of components. This dimensional reconfiguration maintains the engaging body's rigidity through proper structural support while reducing the overall device size, effectively resolving the contradiction between compactness and rigidity.
3Volume of moving object
If the engaging body is repositioned to optimize space usage, then the compactness is improved, but the operational efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains operational efficiency despite repositioning the pivotal supporting portion by ensuring the engaging body can still rotate smoothly between locked and unlocked positions. The dynamic design allows the claw portion to effectively engage the striker with adequate force while achieving compact dimensions, thus resolving the contradiction between compactness and operational efficiency.
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
This design enables further downsizing of the latch device while maintaining the locking force and rigidity, allowing for expanded usage scenarios by adjusting the pivotal supporting portion's position and shape, resulting in a more compact and efficient locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member (4), which urges the sliding body (2) in a direction protruding from the housing (1)
Implementation Method 2
a cam groove (27) provided in the sliding body (2); and a pin member (5) which moves while tracing the cam groove (27)
Implementation Method 3
the engaging body (3) is pivotally supported relative to the sliding body (2) through the pivotal supporting portion (24a, 35)
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A latch device includes a housing; a sliding body including a striking portion and a cam groove, and disposed relative to the housing so as to be capable of advancing and retracting; a spring member urging the sliding body in a direction protruding from the housing; an engaging body rotatably supported relative to the sliding body, and including a claw portion on an end thereof; and a pin member moving in such a way as to trace the cam groove. The engaging body can move between a locking position wherein the claw portion is protruded to a striking portion side, and locks the engaged/disengaged member, and a locking release position wherein the claw portion is retracted from the striking portion side. When the sliding body is pressed and the sliding body moves against an urging force of the spring member, the sliding body is retained in a position after a movement thereof through the cam groove and the pin member, and the engaging body moves from the locking release position to the locking position. The engaging body includes protruding portions protruding in the same direction as a protruding direction of the claw portion. A pivotal supporting portion, rotatably supporting the engaging body to the sliding body, is provided in the protruding portions. In a state in which the engaging body is positioned in the locking position, the striking portion of the sliding body is positioned between the claw portion and the protruding portions.