Modular Latch Kit with Interchangeable Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch systems require custom design and production for various configurations, leading to inefficiencies, high costs, and inventory management challenges due to the need for specialized parts and dedicated manufacturing lines, limiting manufacturers' ability to offer a wide range of options without excessive storage and potential shortages.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising a base assembly with interchangeable mechanisms, such as pivotable rotors and translatable bolts, and operating handles, allowing for selection of desired configurations and operations, enabling flexible assembly and operation without the need for custom manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom design and production is used for various latch configurations, then customer needs are met with specialized parts, but manufacturing efficiency decreases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system is divided into separate modular components: a base assembly and interchangeable mechanism assemblies. Each mechanism assembly can be independently manufactured and then combined with the base assembly, allowing parallel production of multiple configurations without requiring dedicated assembly lines for each variant.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal base assembly is designed that can accommodate multiple different mechanism assemblies through standardized mounting interfaces. This single base design serves multiple functions by supporting various latch configurations (bolt, rotor, etc.), eliminating the need for custom base designs for each configuration and improving manufacturing efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom design and production is used for various latch configurations, then specialized configurations are available, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the latch system into common base assembly and specialized mechanism assemblies, the patent enables economies of scale in producing the base assembly while keeping mechanism assemblies as separate, interchangeable units. This reduces per-unit costs compared to fully custom production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables easy replacement and interchangeability of mechanism assemblies. If a particular mechanism wears out or needs upgrading, only that specific mechanism assembly needs to be replaced rather than the entire latch system, reducing long-term production and replacement costs.
3Loss of time
If a wide range of stock items is manufactured and stored, then delivery delays are avoided, but inventory space and carrying costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the latch system into a common base assembly and various interchangeable mechanism assemblies. Manufacturers can stock the universal base assembly in larger quantities and keep multiple mechanism assemblies available, reducing total inventory space compared to stocking complete assembled latch systems in all possible configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The interchangeable mechanism assemblies allow the system to dynamically adapt to different customer needs. Rather than maintaining static inventory of all possible configurations, the system can quickly reconfigure by swapping mechanism assemblies, reducing the need to pre-stock every variation.
4Manufacturing precision
If dedicated assembly lines are used for specific configurations, then assembly precision is maintained, but manufacturing flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the latch system into modular components with standardized interfaces, the patent allows assembly precision to be maintained through dedicated tooling for each module while enabling flexible reconfiguration. The base assembly and mechanism assemblies can each be manufactured with precision on specialized equipment, then quickly recombined in different configurations without requiring dedicated lines for complete assemblies.
Data Source
AI summary
A kit for selectively constructing a system for releasably maintaining a movable closure element in a predetermined position relative to a frame upon which the closure element is movably mounted. The kit includes a base assembly, a first mechanism that is operably attachable to the base assembly to define a first system having a first configuration that is operable in a first manner, and a second mechanism that is operably attachable to the base assembly to define a second system having a second configuration that is operable in a second manner that is different than the first manner. The first and second mechanisms are interchangeably operably attachable to the base assembly, one in place of the other, to allow a selection to be made by an assembler as to a desired configuration and manner of operation of a system.