Tool-Free Latch Assembly With Helical Guiding Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior latch assemblies fail to achieve the desired level of weather resistance according to the IP65 standard and require tool-assisted mounting and demounting, which can be cumbersome and difficult, especially when dealing with varying panel thicknesses and tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly design featuring a housing with a helically extending guiding channel and a mounting member with protrusions that engage with the housing's grooves for secure attachment without tools, using a fastening member to attach a locking tongue, allowing for easy installation and demounting, and providing a secure seal against water and vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If clips and segments are used for mounting the latch assembly, then easy mounting is achieved, but the desired degree of sealing above IP65 is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional elements: the latch body with integrated mounting features, and a separate mounting member with tooth-like protrusions that engage with guiding channels. This segmentation allows the sealing function to be integrated into the main body while keeping the mounting mechanism simple and tool-free.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting function and sealing function are merged into a single integrated system. The housing body includes integrated sealing elements that work together with the mounting member, eliminating the need for separate sealing components while maintaining IP65 weather resistance.
2Reliability
If a nut is used for mounting the latch assembly, then weather resistance according to IP65 standard is achieved, but tool-assisted mounting and difficult demounting are required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a nut that requires threading and tool assistance, the invention inverts the approach by using a mounting member with protrusions that snap into guiding channels. This allows tool-free installation and easy demounting while maintaining the same sealing performance through integrated sealing elements in the housing body.
3Ease of operation
If segments or clips are used for mounting, then easier mounting is achieved, but the requirement for water-resistant according to IP65 standard is not fulfilled
Solution Approach 1:
The housing body is designed with localized sealing features at critical interfaces where water penetration would occur. The sealing elements are positioned specifically at the mounting interface and other vulnerable areas to provide IP65 protection without complicating the overall mounting mechanism.
4Strength
If a nut is used for mounting, then secure attachment is achieved, but demounting requires extra power and is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static, permanently fixed nut connection to a dynamic, reversible engagement mechanism. The mounting member can be easily inserted and removed from the guiding channels, allowing for simple demounting while maintaining strong attachment during operation through the tooth-like protrusion engagement.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention proposes a latch assembly (10), comprising a housing (30) having a body portion (32); an actuator (20) rotatably mounted in said housing (30), having a range of rotation; and a locking tongue (50) mounted to said actuator (20). said latch assembly (10) further comprises a mounting member (40) having an at least one tooth (41) which protrudes from a hollow body (44) of the mounting member (40) facing to the housing (30); at least one protrusion (43) formed on an inner surface (45) of the mounting member (44) wherein said at least one protrusion (43) is guided on at least one guiding channel (39) formed on the outer periphery of the body portion (32) for attaching said mounting member (40) to the housing (30).