Modular Compression Latch for HVAC Door Thickness Variations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compression latches struggle to accommodate the wide thickness tolerances of HVAC unit doors, which are often thick and filled with insulation, leading to inefficiencies in sealing and latching.

Innovation Solution

A modular compression latch system featuring a driver and pawl assembly that allows for rotational and translational movement, with a lock plug mechanism to secure the cover and prevent unauthorized access, and a modular design to compensate for door thickness variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed compression latch is used, then the latching mechanism is simple, but it cannot accommodate door thickness variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor thickness tolerance compensationVSAvoidlatch structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch system employs a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the compression latch can move along the door thickness direction to adapt to varying door thicknesses. The pawl assembly rotates and translates to engage with different positions on the driver shaft, enabling the latch to dynamically adjust its compression position rather than being fixed in place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The latch is divided into modular components including a driver shaft with multiple engagement positions, a rotatable pawl assembly, and a compression element. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component to accommodate door thickness variations while maintaining overall system functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of repair

If the pawl assembly is made accessible for easy maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but unauthorized access and tampering becomes possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepawl assembly accessibilityVSAvoidunauthorized access and tampering

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A cover acts as an intermediary component between the external environment and the pawl assembly. The cover can be removed by authorized personnel for maintenance while providing continuous protection against unauthorized access. The cover may include features such as recessed fasteners or tool-required removal mechanisms to deter tampering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The design incorporates preliminary protective measures such as secured covers that prevent unauthorized access before any maintenance needs arise. The cover system is designed to be easily removable by authorized users while presenting barriers to unauthorized individuals, addressing potential tampering issues before they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS20250283350A1Modular latch system

Publication Date: 2025.09.11 SOUTHCO INC

AI summary

A compression latch for a door includes a driver that is rotatable with respect to the door between an unlocked position and a locked position. The driver is configured to be mounted to one side of the door. A driver shaft is non-rotatably connected to the driver such that the driver shaft rotates along with the driver. In an unlocked position of the driver, the pawl is positioned to permit opening of the door, and, in a locked position of the driver, the pawl is positioned to prevent opening of the door. The compression latch is configured to translate the pawl closer toward the door upon rotating the driver from the unlocked position to the locked position.