Latching Device for Movable Platform Using Quadrilateral Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Movable platform assemblies used on boats experience instability when a load is mounted, causing the platform to lower slightly and create a gap between the platform and base structure due to play in the actuating system.
Innovation Solution
A latching device with a striker element, a movable latching element, and an actuating mechanism forming an articulated quadrilateral, which locks the platform against the base structure when in the raised position, preventing movement away from the base structure by aligning hinge points on a straight line with the instantaneous direction of movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If an actuating system with play is used to ensure platform stability, then the platform can be positioned adjacently to the base structure, but the platform may lower slightly when a load is mounted, creating a gap between the platform and base structure
Solution Approach 1:
The latching device is pre-configured with the articulated quadrilateral mechanism in a specific geometric arrangement where the hinge points lie on a straight line. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures that when the platform is in the raised position, the latching mechanism is automatically positioned to engage the striker element, preventing any subsequent lowering due to load without requiring active sensing or control intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated quadrilateral latching mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock the platform in the raised position through its own geometric properties. When the platform reaches the raised position, the hinge points align on a straight line, causing the latching element to automatically engage with the striker element, thereby self-locking the platform without external force or active control system intervention.
2Reliability
If a latching device with an articulated quadrilateral is used to lock the platform, then the platform is securely locked against the base structure, but the actuating mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated quadrilateral latching mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the actuating mechanism for positioning the platform and the locking mechanism for securing it in the raised position. The same linkage that moves the latching element into position also provides the locking action through its geometric configuration, eliminating the need for separate actuating and locking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is designed so that the locked position corresponds to a specific geometric state (hinge points on a straight line) where the system is in equilibrium. At this configuration, the latching element naturally engages with the striker element, creating a self-sustaining locked state that maintains reliability without requiring continuous actuation or complex control systems.
3Reliability
If the hinge points of the articulated quadrilateral are aligned on a straight line coinciding with the instantaneous direction of movement, then the latching mechanism blocks movement away from the base structure, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The straight-line alignment of hinge points is built into the design geometry of the articulated quadrilateral mechanism. By pre-configuring the linkage dimensions and hinge point positions during the design phase, the mechanism naturally achieves the blocking configuration when the platform is in the raised position, reducing the need for high-precision adjustment during installation or operation.
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
Ensures stable locking of the platform without external force, preventing downward movement unless actuated, maintaining platform stability even under load.
Implementation Method 1
the latching element is arranged rotatably about a rotation axis
Implementation Method 2
the actuating mechanism comprises an articulated quadrilateral formed by a frame element fixed to the base structure, an actuating lever hinged with the frame element, the latching element hinged with the frame element, and a link member hinged, at opposite ends, with an intermediate point of the latching element and with an intermediate point of the actuating lever
Implementation Method 3
when the latching device is in the locking position the hinge points between frame element and actuating lever, between actuating lever and link member, and between link member and latching element lie on a same straight line coinciding with the instantaneous direction of movement of the hinge point between latching element and link member
Data Source
AI summary
Movable platform structure (1) comprising a base structure (2), a platform (3) and an articulated system (4) which connects the platform (3) to the base structure (2), wherein the platform (3) is movable between a raised position which is horizontally adjacent to the base structure (2) and a lowered position which is horizontally far from the base structure (2). The platform assembly further includes a latching device (10) switchable into a stable locking position for locking the platform (3) against the base structure (2) when the platform (3) is in the raised position.