Latch Assembly Link Connector Synchronous Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch assemblies for openable structures face reliability issues over time, leading to degraded performance and frequent replacement, especially in dual latch systems where synchronous operation is compromised due to fatigue.
Innovation Solution
The latch assembly design includes a housing with a movable handle, guide pins, and interconnected latching elements that use a link connector and biasing members to ensure proper latching and synchronous operation, with a cover and actuation arm mechanism to facilitate easy operation and secure the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional plunger assemblies are used in latch mechanisms, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but reliability degrades over time leading to frequent failures
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a first body with a first latching element, a second body with a second latching element, and interconnecting links. Each body can move independently along guide pins, allowing the system to maintain reliability through modular design while managing complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
Biasing members are incorporated into the mechanism to pre-load and cushion the latching elements, ensuring they maintain proper engagement under varying conditions. This preemptive cushioning compensates for wear and fatigue before they cause failure, thereby improving reliability without requiring overly complex monitoring systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual latch systems are used to provide synchronous operation, then additional securing functionality is achieved, but the system becomes more complex and prone to fatigue failures
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second latching elements are merged into a single integrated mechanism where both elements are actuated through common components (link connector, biasing members). This allows dual latching functionality to be achieved while sharing common structural elements, thereby reducing overall system complexity compared to completely separate latch systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The link connector and biasing members serve multiple functions: they actuate both latching elements, provide cushioning forces, and maintain synchronous operation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, managing complexity while achieving versatile dual latching capability.
3Duration of action of moving object
If continuous use of latch assemblies occurs, then operational duration is extended, but reliability degrades due to fatigue and wear
Solution Approach 1:
Biasing members are strategically positioned to provide continuous cushioning forces to the latching elements throughout their operational cycle. This preemptive cushioning compensates for wear and fatigue that occur during continuous use, maintaining proper engagement and reliability over extended operational durations without requiring frequent maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism incorporates mechanical feedback through the interconnection of links and bodies, where the state of one latching element influences the other. This feedback ensures synchronous operation is maintained even after prolonged use, allowing the system to self-correct minor deviations caused by wear or fatigue.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D~2F
AI summary
Latch assemblies (200; 300; 400; 500a, 500b) for opening and closing openable structures having a housing (204; 304) defining a cavity, a handle (202; 302) movably mounted to the housing (204; 304), and a latching mechanism (214; 314) between the handle (202; 302) and the housing (204; 304). The latching mechanism (214; 314) includes at least one guide pin (224; 324) mounted to the housing (204; 304), a first body (234; 534a, 534b) movable along the at least one guide pin (224; 324) and having a first latching element (206; 306; 406) extending through the housing (204; 304), a second body (236; 536a, 536b) movable along the at least one guide pin (224; 324) and having a second latching element (208; 308; 408) extending through the housing (204; 304), a first link (240) attached to the first body (234; 534a, 534b), a second link (242) attached to the second body (236; 536a, 536b), and a link connector (244; 344) operably connecting the first link (240) to the second link (242), wherein movement of the link connector (244; 344) urges the first latching element (206; 306; 406) and the second latching element (208; 308; 408) apart through movement of the first link (240) and the second link (242) and the first body (234; 534a, 534b) and the second body (236; 536a, 536b).