Latch Apparatus with Integrated Lock and Visual Status Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch apparatuses lack efficient mechanisms for selectively engaging and releasing members, such as strikers, especially in configurations with locking mechanisms, where the handle movement does not reliably change the latch condition between locked and unlocked states.
Innovation Solution
The latch assembly incorporates a release mechanism with a pivoting handle, a rotary latch, and a lock mechanism that includes a rotatable cylinder, allowing the latch to change between latched and unlatched conditions based on handle movement, with visual indicators for the user and a spring mechanism to maintain the handle in an intermediate position when unlocked, preventing accidental retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device is added to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but the complexity of the latch apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking device and latch mechanism into a single integrated assembly where the lock bar and latch member work together through shared components like the cam member and actuator. This merging reduces overall system complexity while maintaining both security and latching functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam member serves multiple functions: it actuates both the latch member for engagement/disengagement and the lock bar for locking/unlocking. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing complexity while providing both security and latching capabilities.
2Reliability
If the latch mechanism is made more robust to ensure reliable engagement, then reliability is improved, but the force required to operate the handle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic elements including springs that provide biasing forces to automatically engage the latch and lock members, and cam mechanisms that convert rotational handle movement into linear actuation forces. These dynamic mechanisms reduce the manual force required while ensuring reliable engagement through spring-loaded positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam member utilizes rotational movement that creates dynamic mechanical action to actuate both the latch and lock members simultaneously. This rotational-dynamic approach distributes the operational force more effectively than direct linear actuation, reducing the peak force needed at the handle.
3Ease of operation
If visual indicators are added to show latch status, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual indicators that change appearance or position based on the latch and lock status. These indicators provide clear visual feedback to users about the current state without requiring complex electronic systems, maintaining simplicity while improving ease of operation.
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 configuration ensures reliable engagement and disengagement of the striker, provides visual feedback for the user on the latch status, and maintains the handle in an intermediate position when unlocked, preventing accidental retraction and enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism to maintain the handle in an intermediate position when unlocked, preventing accidental retraction
Data Source
AI summary
A latch (202) includes a catch jaw (210) which is operative to releasably engage a post. A release pawl (212) is operative to hold the catch jaw in a latched jaw position, and upon movement of the release pawl, enables the catch jaw to move to an unlatched jaw position. In an unlocked condition of the latch, movement of a handle (206) is operative to enable the latch to change from the latched to unlatched condition. The latch includes a keylock (240) and an electrical actuator (308). Each of the keylock and the electrical actuator are operative to independently change the condition of the latch between locked and unlocked conditions.