Latch Assembly Flexible Support Curved Bend Limiter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional latch assemblies face challenges in manufacturing precision, reliability, and durability due to manufacturing variances and stress concentrations at the latch arm-base connection, leading to inconsistent threshold forces and potential breakage under strain.

Innovation Solution

A latch assembly incorporating a flexible support with a curved portion and a bend limiter, which provides additional bending resistance and reduces stress at the latch arm-base connection, allowing for a more robust and predictable operation by distributing force and preventing excessive bending.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a conventional latch arm is directly connected to the base, then the structure is simple, but stress concentration occurs at the connection point leading to potential breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestress resistance at latch arm-base connectionVSAvoidlatch assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch assembly is divided into distinct functional components: the latch arm, the flexible support, and the base. The flexible support acts as a separate element that bridges the latch arm and base, isolating the stress concentration from the critical latch arm-base connection point and distributing loads more effectively throughout the structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible support incorporates a curved portion that allows controlled bending and flexing during latch operation. This curvature enables the support to absorb and distribute mechanical stress through elastic deformation, reducing peak stresses at connection points while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Manufacturing precision

If manufacturing precision is relaxed, then manufacturing cost decreases, but threshold force becomes inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch arm geometry toleranceVSAvoidthreshold force consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The design shifts the critical functional parameters from the rigid latch arm geometry to the flexible support's elastic properties. By making the support flexible, the system becomes less sensitive to dimensional tolerances in the latch arm and more dependent on the consistent elastic behavior of the flexible material, which can be manufactured with greater ease and consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If the latch arm is made more rigid to withstand pull forces, then strength increases, but the ability to bend for disengagement becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepull force resistanceVSAvoidlatch arm bending for disengagement

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the functions of strength and flexibility into different components. The latch arm can be designed for strength and rigidity to withstand pull forces, while the flexible support provides the necessary compliance to enable easy bending and disengagement. This functional segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific role.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible support acts as an intermediary element between the rigid latch arm and the base. It mediates the mechanical interaction by providing a compliant connection that allows controlled bending during operation while maintaining overall structural strength. The flexible support absorbs the deformation requirements, protecting the rigid latch arm from excessive bending stresses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The flexible support and bend limiter configuration enhance the latch assembly's ability to withstand pull forces and maintain structural integrity, providing a consistent threshold force for disengagement while reducing the risk of breakage and improving longevity.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible support fixedly connected to the base and connected to the latch arm... applying a force on the latch arm in a direction toward the flexible support bends the flexible support such that the latch engagement portion moves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a bend limiter attached to one of the latch arm and the flexible support... The bend limiter may be configured to contact the other of the latch arm and the flexible support when the latch arm and flexible support bend in response to an application of force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint:

Data Source

PatentUS11739565B2Latch assembly to secure opening of an enclosure

Publication Date: 2023.08.29 ELBEE

AI summary

Latch assemblies to secure a door, drawer, or other enclosure are disclosed. An assembly may include a latch and a catch. A latch arm is bendable to transition between an engaging position and a disengaged position. The latch may include a curved flexible support to provide a desired resistance to bending of the latch arm, and the flexible support may be vertically separated from the latch arm. The latch may be made of a unitary piece.