Latch Device Torsion Spring Assembly Method
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional latch devices for motor vehicle console boxes are difficult to assemble due to the high biasing force of torsion springs, requiring skilled manual labor and often resulting in incorrect positioning and increased assembly time and cost.
Innovation Solution
A latch device design featuring a coil-shaped torsion spring with one end fixed to a pivotal member and the other end pressed against a projection, utilizing a stopper member on the base member to facilitate easy assembly by gradually increasing the biasing force as the pivotal member is connected, allowing for proper positioning and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the torsion spring is used to constantly bias the pivotal member in the latch direction, then the latch device can reliably latch and release the lid, but the assembly process becomes difficult and time-consuming due to the high biasing force
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly process is segmented into two distinct phases: first, the pivotal member is inserted into the base member without the torsion spring engaged (low force state); second, the torsion spring is subsequently engaged with the pivotal member (high force state). This segmentation allows the high-biasing-force spring to be installed without requiring excessive manual strength, as the spring is engaged after the pivotal member is already positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotal member is preliminarily positioned and fixed to the base member before the torsion spring is engaged. This preliminary action creates a stable foundation that allows the torsion spring to be installed safely and easily, eliminating the need to hold the pivotal member against the spring's biasing force during insertion.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual labor is used to engage the torsion spring against its biasing force, then the spring can be installed, but skilled workers are required and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement state of the torsion spring transitions dynamically during assembly: initially disengaged (zero biasing force) when the pivotal member is inserted, then engaged (full biasing force) after positioning. This dynamic approach allows workers to assemble the device at normal speed without requiring special skills to overcome continuous spring resistance.
3Ease of manufacture
If the torsion spring end is pulled out against biasing force to hook to the base member, then the spring can be mounted, but the work becomes troublesome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pulling the torsion spring end against its biasing force to engage it with the base member (conventional approach), the invention inverts the sequence: the pivotal member is first inserted into the base member, and then the torsion spring is engaged with the pivotal member. This inversion eliminates the need to overcome the spring's biasing force during the critical positioning step, making assembly quick and simple.
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 design simplifies the assembly process by reducing the need for skilled labor and minimizing assembly time and cost, ensuring accurate positioning and effective biasing of the pivotal member for smooth operation.
Implementation Method 1
a coil-shaped torsion spring with first and second ends, the torsion spring being mounted on the pivotal member having the first end fixed to the pivotal member and the second end pressed against a projection formed on the pivotal member
Data Source
AI summary
For facilitating the work of applying a pivotal member, which is to be pivotally connected to a base member, with a satisfied biasing force, a coil-shaped torsion spring is mounted on the pivotal member having one end thereof pressed on a projection of the pivotal member, then the pivotal member is moved to the base member in such a manner that the end of the torsion spring is brought into abutment with and pressed against a stopper portion of the base member while releasing from the projection of the pivotal member, and the pivotal member is further moved toward the base member until the pivotal member is properly set to the base member.