Lock Catch Cup With Bent Leaf Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock catches for latches are complex, costly, and require precise alignment, making them time-consuming and expensive to install, and may fail to function properly due to deformations or misalignments caused by environmental changes or improper support.
Innovation Solution
A catch for a lock latch featuring a cup with a biasing mechanism using a bent leaf spring and a cover to secure the displacement element, allowing the latch to be pushed towards the closed position, accommodating misalignments and reducing installation complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional catch plate with opening is used for the latch, then the latch can be caught properly, but the installation is time-consuming and costly requiring precise alignment and carpenter skill
Solution Approach 1:
The catch plate is replaced with a cup and displacement element assembly that dynamically adjusts to accommodate misaligned latches. The displacement element can move within the cup to compensate for positioning errors, eliminating the need for precise alignment during installation while maintaining reliable latch catching.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the catch mechanism by using a cup with internal displacement elements rather than a fixed opening. This allows the catch to adapt its position and orientation to match the latch, transforming a static alignment-dependent system into a dynamic one that self-adjusts during installation.
2Reliability
If the closing element is deformed or displaced due to environmental issues or improper support, then the latch cannot enter the opening properly, but using a traditional rigid catch plate cannot accommodate such deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement element within the cup provides dynamic adjustment capability that allows the catch to accommodate deformed or displaced closing elements. The element can move to compensate for deformations caused by environmental factors or improper support, maintaining reliable closure function where a rigid traditional catch plate would fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup structure with its internal displacement element acts as a cushioning mechanism that anticipates and absorbs the effects of deformation and misalignment before they prevent proper latch engagement. This allows the system to tolerate environmental variations and support issues without compromising closure reliability.
3Force
If a biasing mechanism with displacement element is used to push the latch, then the closing element can be forced into closed position, but the construction becomes complicated and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism is segmented into a cup structure containing a displacement element, separating the force application function from the catch plate structure. This segmentation allows the force-generating components to be simplified and integrated into the cup, reducing overall construction complexity while maintaining the necessary closing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the cup structure with the biasing mechanism, integrating the displacement element directly into the cup rather than using separate complex assemblies. This combination simplifies the overall construction by reducing the number of separate components while still providing the necessary force to push the latch into the closed position.
4Force
If a known catch with biasing mechanism is used to push the latch, then the latch can be forced closed, but it requires relatively much space in the frame especially at the second side of the cup
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement element is nested within the cup structure, with the biasing mechanism contained inside the cup's internal volume. This nesting arrangement allows the force-generating components to be housed within the existing cup space rather than requiring additional external space in the frame, significantly reducing the volume occupied by the catch assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention repositions the biasing mechanism to operate within the depth dimension of the cup rather than requiring lateral space. By utilizing the internal volume of the cup for the displacement element and spring mechanism, the design converts a lateral space requirement into a compact internal arrangement, reducing the overall footprint in the frame.
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 solution simplifies the installation process, reduces production costs, and ensures proper closure even with misaligned or deformed elements by using a compact and easy-to-manufacture design that applies a consistent closing force.
Implementation Method 1
a bent leaf spring having a first leg connected to the cup and a second leg extending at least partly into the opening and including an angle with the first leg
Implementation Method 2
A biasing mechanism is provided within the cup, comprising a displacement element which is biased in the direction of the second side, by spring means
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Catch for a lock latch, comprising a cup for mounting in or on a frame, having a first side and an opposite second side, a biasing mechanism provided within the cup, comprising a displacement element which is biased in the direction of the second side, an opening provided for inserting part of a latch of a lock which can engage the displacement element such that the displacement element will apply a force on the latch into the direction of the second side. The displacement element comprises or is formed by a bent leaf spring having a first leg connected to the catch and a second leg extending at least partly into the opening and including an angle with the first leg.