Modular Latch System with Detachable Actuator Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The aerospace and marine industries face limited aesthetic and design variety in bolt latches due to high manufacturing costs associated with complex unitary assembly latches, which require expensive molds and complex machining processes.
Innovation Solution
A modular latching system comprising a bolt mechanism assembly and an actuator housing assembly that can be easily detached and reattached, allowing for different activation means such as paddles, push buttons, or rockers, enabling various aesthetic designs while maintaining the same bolt mechanism, and can be manufactured through more affordable methods like casting or machining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a unitary latch assembly is manufactured as a single complex part, then the latch provides structural integrity and reliability, but the manufacturing cost increases due to expensive molds and complex machining
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is divided into multiple separate components including a body, bolt, actuator, and spring that can be manufactured independently using simpler, more cost-effective processes. These components are then assembled together to form the complete latch mechanism, maintaining structural integrity while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a unitary latch assembly is manufactured as a single part, then the latch provides complete functionality, but the manufacturing complexity increases requiring expensive molds and complex machining processes
Solution Approach 1:
The functional components of the latch are segmented into separate parts that can be manufactured using standard, simpler machining or casting processes. The body, bolt, actuator, and spring are each manufactured independently and then assembled, reducing manufacturing complexity while preserving complete latch functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The separate components are designed with standardized interfaces and features that allow them to work together in various configurations. The body can accommodate different bolt types, actuators, and spring arrangements, providing versatility and adaptability without requiring complex custom manufacturing for each variation.
3Ease of manufacture
If a modular latch system with separate components is used, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but the assembly and disassembly operations become more frequent
Solution Approach 1:
The individual latch components are designed with pre-formed features such as integrated mounting tabs, alignment pins, and snap-fit elements that enable rapid assembly. The body includes pre-positioned receptacles and attachment features that guide the bolt, actuator, and spring into correct positions during assembly, minimizing assembly time despite the modular nature of the system.
Data Source
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AI summary
A bolt mechanism comprising a backing plate adapted to be mounted on a complementary surface of a flat panel, a bolt assembly housing attached to the backing plate, a sliding bolt assembly carried on the bolt assembly housing one end of which has means adapted to engage and latch to a striker, a spring on said housing for keeping the end of the bolt extending out of the bolt assembly housing, the backing plate having means adapted to enable attachment to and detachment from an actuator housing assembly having complementary means adapted to enable attachment and detachment. An actuator housing assembly comprising an actuator housing having an opening therein, a movable actuator member received in the opening, the actuator member having a front surface and a rear surface and being digitally movable in said opening, and a hammer extending from the rear surface of said movable actuator member. The actuator housing assembly has means adapted to enable the attachment to and detachment from a bolt mechanism assembly having complementary means adapted to enable attachment and detachment.