Magnet, pin, and spring assisted lockable horizontally and vertically aligning ergonomic novel latch mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latching mechanisms for assembling structures like furniture are often bulky, expensive, and require significant effort to engage and disengage, with potential for accidental disengagement due to loose fits.
Innovation Solution
A latch system comprising two sturdy rectangular frames with protruding pins and magnetic guides for alignment, a rotatable hammer that locks the frames together, and mechanical or magnetic locking mechanisms to secure the panels with minimal user effort and resistance against separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact latch design is used, then the device size is reduced, but significant finger force is required to operate it
Solution Approach 1:
A cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user's rotational input and the locking action. The cam converts small rotational movement into large linear displacement, providing mechanical advantage that reduces the force needed to engage the latch while maintaining compact dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The latch uses a rotating cam that dynamically changes the mechanical advantage during operation. At the beginning of engagement, the cam geometry provides high mechanical advantage for easy engagement, then transitions to a locked position where the geometry provides high resistance to separation forces
2Ease of operation
If a loose fit is provided in the latch, then ease of operation is improved, but accidental disengagement may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The latch features a localized cam engagement zone with precise geometry that provides controlled clearance. The cam surface is designed with specific curvature and angle in the engagement region to guide smooth insertion while the locked position features tight tolerances and positive engagement features that prevent accidental disengagement
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism performs preliminary alignment and guidance during the engagement process. The cam surface gradually guides the latch components into proper alignment before final engagement, ensuring correct positioning without requiring forceful insertion, while the final locked position provides secure retention
3Strength
If secure engagement is provided, then resistance against separation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides engagement guidance, mechanical advantage for easy operation, and locked position retention. This merging of functions achieves secure engagement with high separation resistance while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The cam is designed with distinct functional zones: an engagement zone with specific geometry for easy insertion, a transition zone for locking, and a retention zone for preventing disengagement. This segmentation of the cam geometry allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity
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 system securely engages and disengages flat panels quickly with minimal effort, providing substantial resistance against unwanted separation while allowing easy unlocking and reassembly.
Implementation Method 1
Magnets in the hole help the user aligning the pins and holes
Implementation Method 2
The separation loads do not affect the locking mechanism that secures the hammer, which allows substantial resistance against unwanted separation
Data Source
AI summary
A number of magnetically assisted latch mechanisms are presented, where the latching and unlatching action is done with reduced user effort, therefore promoting speed and efficiency without sacrificing the strength of the bond of the connected components. The latching mechanisms are designed to secure panels or other similar small and large mostly flat components. The latching method is done by a rotating component that takes all the separating load once rotated into the locked position. The rotatable lock, or hammer, is also locked itself into position to prevent accidental movement by the hammer.