Latch Mechanism Single-Action Bolt Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch mechanisms for electronic devices are complex and inefficient, requiring multiple steps for unlocking, making operation inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism with a base assembly, pressing assembly, and elastic members that include a button part, bolt part, and elastic members to simplify the locking and unlocking process by using a single action to retract the bolt part from a bolt hole, reducing the number of steps required for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional lock catch structure with multiple components (knob, rotary rod, elliptical turntable, coupling levers, inserted rod, limiting mechanism) is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and the unlocking process requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components (knob, rotary rod, elliptical turntable, coupling levers, inserted rod, limiting mechanism) into a single integrated pressing assembly. The pressing assembly includes a pressing body with a pressing end that directly presses the elastic member, eliminating the need for separate rotational and linear motion transmission mechanisms. This merging of functions reduces structural complexity while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components from the traditional lock catch structure. By removing the rotary rod, elliptical turntable, coupling levers, and limiting mechanism, the design retains only the essential elements (pressing assembly and elastic member) needed to achieve locking and unlocking, thereby simplifying the overall structure.
2Reliability
If a traditional lock catch structure with multiple steps for unlocking is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the unlocking operation becomes inconvenient and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the unlocking action into a single pressing motion. The pressing assembly is designed so that pressing the pressing end directly activates the elastic member, which in turn drives the bolt part to retract from the bolt hole in one continuous motion. This eliminates the multiple sequential steps (rotation, elliptical motion, lever movement, linear sliding) required in traditional designs, making unlocking convenient and efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing assembly is designed to automatically complete the unlocking sequence through the elastic member's inherent elasticity. When the pressing end is released, the elastic member automatically returns to its original state, driving the bolt part to retract and complete the unlocking process without requiring additional user actions or complex control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If a traditional lock catch structure with multiple steps is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the unlocking process consumes more time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines all unlocking movements into a single pressing action. The pressing assembly integrates the functions of rotation, elliptical motion, lever movement, and linear retraction into one unified mechanism. When the pressing end is pressed, the elastic member is compressed and simultaneously drives the bolt part to retract from the bolt hole, completing the entire unlocking process in one motion rather than through multiple sequential steps, thereby reducing the time required for unlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing assembly is pre-configured with the elastic member in a compressed state ready to drive the bolt part. When the pressing end is pressed, the pre-stored elastic energy is immediately released, causing the bolt part to retract rapidly from the bolt hole. This preliminary preparation of the elastic member allows for rapid unlocking without the need for multiple sequential operations, significantly reducing the time required for the unlocking process.
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 simplified structure allows for convenient and efficient locking and unlocking of electronic device cases with fewer steps, enhancing operational efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the bolt part can extend out of the second through hole under the action of an elastic force of the first elastic member
Implementation Method 2
the bolt part needs to be pressed to retract into the second through hole; the first elastic member is compressed
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a latch mechanism and an electronic device case. The latch mechanism includes a base assembly, a pressing assembly and a first elastic member. The base assembly has an accommodating cavity, and a wall surface of the base assembly has a first through hole and a second through hole which are respectively communicated with the accommodating cavity. The pressing assembly includes a main body part, a button part and a bolt part, the main body part is disposed in the accommodating cavity, and the button part and the bolt part are respectively disposed on the main body part. The first elastic member is located in the accommodating cavity, one end of the first elastic member abuts against an inner wall of the accommodating cavity and the other end abuts against the main body part.