Latch Locking Mechanism With Spring And Stopper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Latches face a design challenge in balancing ease of use with the risk of accidental opening, especially when devices move and latches are exposed to moving surfaces, requiring a mechanism that securely locks parts in place without unintended movement.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism comprising a main body with a separating wall and a latch locking mechanism, including a stopper, limit bar, and spring, where the stopper and spring work together to prevent accidental opening by maintaining the latch in a closed position until an external force is applied, and automatically returning to the closed position when the force is removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the latch is designed to be easily opened, then ease of operation is improved, but the likelihood of accidental opening increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism incorporates a cam follower that automatically engages with a cam surface when the door closes, preliminarily setting the latch in a locked position before any opening action is attempted. This preliminary engagement ensures the latch is secure by default while still allowing intentional opening through the release button mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
A release button acts as an intermediary element between the user's intentional opening action and the latch mechanism. The button must be deliberately pressed to disengage the cam follower from the cam surface, providing a clear intentional action requirement that prevents accidental opening while maintaining ease of intentional operation.
2Reliability
If the latch uses a spring mechanism to maintain closed position, then reliability against accidental opening is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A spring mechanism provides a counteracting force that balances the door's weight and closing force, automatically maintaining the latch in the closed position. The spring acts as a mechanical counterweight that compensates for gravitational and operational forces, ensuring reliable latching without complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism automatically returns the latch to the closed position after opening and maintains closed position without external intervention. The system serves itself by using the spring's stored energy to counterbalance forces and maintain the desired state, reducing the need for complex active control systems.
3Reliability
If the latch is designed for secure locking, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism transitions from a static locked position to a dynamic opening process. The cam follower rides along a cam surface during opening, providing a smooth, controlled transition that reduces the force required to open while maintaining secure locking during normal operation. This dynamic approach balances security with ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The release button performs a preliminary action by disengaging the cam follower from the locked cam surface before the door can fully open. This preliminary disengagement reduces the force and complexity of the opening action while maintaining secure locking during normal use, as the latch only needs to be partially disengaged to initiate opening.
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 mechanism effectively secures parts in place while allowing controlled opening and closing, reducing the risk of accidental movement and enhancing usability by ensuring the latch remains closed unless intentionally opened.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positioned on the spring holder and contacting the face of the latch body facing towards the separating wall on a first end of the spring and contacting the separating wall on a second end of the spring
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a latch mechanism including: a main body including a first enclosure and a second enclosure; a latch including: a latch body positioned within and slidingly coupled with the first enclosure of the main body; a latch lock fixed to the latch body; and a handle fixed to the latch body; and a latch locking mechanism including: a stopper positioned within and slidingly coupled with the second enclosure of the main body; a limit bar fixed to the latch body; a spring holder fixed to the latch body; and a spring positioned on the spring holder.