Modular Mechanical Latch Module for Secure Hardware Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular systems face challenges in securely fastening hardware modules within a chassis during operation and transportation, as existing mechanical latch modules may not adequately prevent loosening.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a mechanical latch module with a button carriage, lock arm, inverter arm, latch arm, and biasing springs that interact with retaining pins to securely lock and unlock hardware modules, ensuring they are fully seated and preventing movement during use or transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical latch module is used to secure hardware modules, then the hardware modules are prevented from loosening during operation and transportation, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components (button carriage, lock arm, inverter arm, latch arm, biasing springs)
Solution Approach 1:
The latch module is divided into distinct functional components: button carriage, lock arm, inverter arm, latch arm, and biasing springs. Each component performs a specific function in the latching sequence, allowing for modular design, easier manufacturing, and simplified maintenance while achieving reliable security.
2Reliability
If a mechanical latch module with multiple components is implemented, then reliable locking is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the latch module into separate components, each part can be manufactured independently using optimized processes for that specific component, rather than attempting to manufacture a complex integrated assembly. This reduces manufacturing difficulty while maintaining overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional elements (locking mechanism, indicating mechanism, emergency release) are merged into a single integrated latch module assembly that works together through coordinated movement of its components, reducing the number of separate assemblies needed and simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
3Reliability
If the latch module uses multiple moving parts (lock arm, inverter arm, latch arm), then secure engagement is achieved, but the risk of failure under vibrational conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing springs provide automatic self-adjustment and self-lubrication through controlled friction between components. The friction between the latch arm and retaining pin, along with the spring pressure, creates a self-regulating system that maintains engagement under vibrational conditions without external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The controlled friction between moving parts, which could be considered a harmful factor causing wear or instability, is actually utilized to maintain engagement under vibration. The friction between the latch arm and retaining pin, combined with spring pressure, prevents the components from loosening during transport and operation.
4Ease of operation
If the latch module includes visual indicator and emergency release mechanisms, then user awareness and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visual indicator function is merged into the existing button carriage structure, and the emergency release is integrated with the latch arm mechanism. This combines multiple functions into existing components rather than adding entirely separate systems, minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
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 mechanical latch module effectively secures hardware modules, maintaining proper electrical connections and preventing movement or chattering, even under vibrational conditions, while providing a visual indicator for engagement status and an emergency release mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing spring positioned between the button carriage and the inverter arm and a second biasing spring positioned between the latch module chassis and the latch arm
Data Source
AI summary
A latch module that includes a button carriage that is slidably coupled to a latch module chassis, thereby enabling the button carriage to move between an extended and a depressed position. The button carriage, when a user-operable button of the button carriage is depressed a first time, moves from the extended position to the depressed position. An inverter arm that is pivotally coupled to the latch module chassis and that is mechanically linked to the button carriage pivots when the button carriage, moves from the extended position to the depressed position, as the button is depressed. A latch arm that is mechanically linked to the inverter arm slides from a non-blocking position into a blocking position when the inverter arm pivots. In the blocking position, the latch arm extends beyond a retaining pin of a chassis; and in the non-blocking position, the latch arm clears the retaining pin.