Latch Assembly Spring Actuation Manual Override
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically operated latch assemblies for lock mechanisms consume high energy and are unreliable due to voltage loss or actuator malfunction, lacking both electromechanical and manual operation capabilities and being costly to produce.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly with a rotary actuator, a lock bolt, a triggering mechanism, and a resilient member that allows both electromechanical and manual operation, featuring a rack gear and pinion gear system to convert rotary motion into linear motion, enabling energy-efficient operation and reduced production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a solenoid actuator is used to control the latch, then the latch can be operated remotely or via push-button, but the energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic solenoid actuator with a mechanical spring-based actuation system. The spring (element 4) stores mechanical energy that is released to move the lock bolt (element 2) when the triggering mechanism (element 3) is actuated, eliminating the need for continuous electrical power consumption while maintaining remote operation capability through the triggering mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-based system operates in periodic cycles where the spring is compressed during locking and expands during unlocking, providing intermittent mechanical action rather than continuous energy consumption. The spring recharges automatically after each cycle, enabling repeated operation without continuous power supply.
2Ease of operation
If a solenoid actuator is used to keep the lock open or closed, then the latch can be controlled electrically, but the system becomes unreliable due to voltage loss or actuator burnout
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the electromagnetic solenoid actuator entirely and replaces it with a purely mechanical spring-based system. The spring (element 4) and triggering mechanism (element 3) provide reliable mechanical actuation that does not depend on electrical power, thereby eliminating failures related to voltage loss or actuator burnout while maintaining electrical control capability through the triggering mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-based system provides inherent mechanical cushioning and fault tolerance. The spring can accommodate variations in actuation force and provides a mechanical backup that does not require electrical power, protecting the system against electrical failures and improving overall reliability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a spring-based actuation system is used, then energy consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring (element 4) serves multiple functions: it stores energy, provides actuation force, and acts as a mechanical buffer. The triggering mechanism (element 3) integrates both electrical and mechanical actuation capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the mechanical nature of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the spring actuation mechanism with the triggering mechanism and lock bolt assembly into an integrated system. The spring (element 4) is positioned within the existing latch assembly structure, and the triggering mechanism (element 3) integrates both electrical and mechanical functions, merging multiple functions into fewer components and reducing overall complexity.
4Ease of operation
If a rack gear and pinion gear system is used to convert rotary motion to linear motion, then the actuator control is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the rack gear and pinion gear system from the design. Instead of using gears to convert rotary motion to linear motion, the invention uses a direct mechanical linkage where the triggering mechanism (element 3) directly actuates the lock bolt (element 2) through a simplified mechanical connection, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining actuator control precision.
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 latch assembly achieves energy-saving operation by utilizing an electric motor for electromechanical conversion and manual operation, ensuring reliable locking and unlocking with reduced energy consumption and production costs.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member in contact with the lock bolt (2)... the resilient member is biased to push the lock bolt in an opposite direction on the axis of movement for holding the lock bolt in the closed position
Implementation Method 2
The triggering mechanism comprises a rack gear shaped and sized to engage to the actuation lug so that the actuation lug and the rack gear are operated in a coordinated manner and a pinion gear configured to be associated with the actuator to transmit the rotary motion from the actuator to the rack gear
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention proposes a latch assembly (100) for use in a lock mechanism (200), comprising an actuator (1) arranged to create a rotary motion, a lock bolt (2) configured to move between an open position and a closed position on an axis of movement (X), a triggering mechanism (3) coupled to the lock bolt (2) and actuated by the rotary movement of the actuator (1), and a resilient member in contact with the lock bolt (2). Said lock bolt (2) is provided with an actuation lug (21) wherein the triggering mechanism (3) is configured to urge the lock bolt (2) from the closed position toward the open position by applying a mechanical force on the actuation lug (21) while the resilient member is biased to push the lock bolt (2) in an opposite direction on the axis of movement for holding the lock bolt (2) in the closed position.