Lever Compression Latch With Compact Linkage and Seal Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compression latches used in gasketed doors and ovens require precise adjustment and operation to ensure effective sealing, but existing designs are often cumbersome and lack clear indicators for the fully closed and open positions, potentially leading to accidental openings and loss of hot air or gases.
Innovation Solution
A lever-operated compression latch system with a vertical bar handle that engages both latch units near the top and bottom of the oven door, featuring a snap-in design, over-center position indicator, and blocking features to ensure a stable locked state, minimizing accidental openings and optimizing gasket compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a compression latch is manually operated with a handle or lever, then the compression force against the gasket can be sufficient for sealing, but the operation becomes cumbersome and lacks clear position indicators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indicators (color changes or position markers) on the lever to clearly indicate the closed and open positions, making operation simpler and preventing accidental openings while maintaining sufficient compression force
2Volume of stationary object
If the latch housing size is minimized for small ovens, then the latch can be used with small ovens and thin doors, but the available space for adjustment and operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a compact, nested design where the lever and pawl mechanisms are integrated within a minimized housing envelope, allowing sufficient adjustment and operation space within a small volume suitable for small ovens and thin doors
3Reliability
If the latch pawl engages the striker/keeper at a specific distance before the door is fully closed, then the gasket compression can be optimized, but the linear travel required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the linear travel requirement into rotational lever movement, allowing the pawl to engage the striker at the optimal distance for gasket compression while the lever's rotational arc provides the necessary movement without requiring excessive linear travel space
4Ease of operation
If a vertical bar handle operates both latch units in unison, then the operation is simplified and synchronized, but the handle length and overall device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two latch units into a single integrated assembly with a common vertical bar handle, where the linkage mechanism is merged and shared between both latches, reducing overall complexity while maintaining synchronized 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
The system provides a user-friendly, compact, and efficient operation with clear position indicators, ensuring effective sealing and minimizing the risk of accidental openings, while being suitable for small ovens with thin doors.
Implementation Method 1
A torsion spring is received within the housing and is connected to the lever for biasing the lever between a closed position and an open position
Implementation Method 2
An elongate lever is mounted to a first pivot point for rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A lever operated compression latch has an elongated, hook-ended pawl carrying a longitudinal slot, and is cam guided and pin rotated while translated to engage and withdraw from a keeper cup. The compound movement of the pawl includes a lateral translation towards the keeper cup while rotating there into, followed by a lateral withdrawal to exert a compression force between the latch body which is attached to a door and the keeper cup which is attached to a door frame. A series of interconnected links is operated by a lever handle to fold into one another to provide a compact envelope when the latch is closed and to expand outwardly to open the latch and disengage the pawl from the keeper when operated by the lever. Of this series of links, a pair of release links operates in contact with one another, and rotates on respective individual pivot points to extend outwardly from the latch envelope to engage a striker plate portion of the keeper cup. This striker engagement causes the release links to push the latch and the door from a sealing engagement with the keeper and door jamb for a short distance, prior to the latch and the door thereafter being fully opened. This striker engagement of the release links also causes the latch links to fold inwardly which rotates and translates the pawl into keeper engagement and compression. This operation is facilitated with a floating spring having one end operating as a pivot member. A detent engages one of the links to provide a physical indication to the handle lever between the hard closed position and the closed about to open position.