Module Latch Mechanism for Secure Snapper Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular designs for medical, communication, and power supply equipment require complex mechanisms to prevent incorrect operation and secure module engagement, often demanding excessive space and complicating the operation process.
Innovation Solution
A module with a latch mechanism that moves between lock and unlock positions, using a guide rail and groove system to control the resilient snapper's movement, ensuring secure engagement and preventing accidental disengagement, with indicia for clear operation guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a resilient snapper is used to lock modules to slots, then secure engagement is achieved, but incorrect operations may cause modules to disengage accidentally
Solution Approach 1:
A latch is introduced as an intermediary component between the resilient snapper and the module body. The latch controls the movement of the resilient snapper's free end, acting as a mediator that prevents direct unintended activation while allowing controlled engagement and disengagement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch is designed to be movable between different positions (locked and unlocked) to dynamically control the state of the resilient snapper. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to transition between secure locked state and operational state, preventing incorrect operations while maintaining ease of legitimate access.
2Ease of operation
If shielding covers or spring screws are added to prevent incorrect operations, then operation safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is integrated directly with the module body through a sliding connection, merging the locking control function into the existing module structure. This eliminates the need for separate shielding covers or complex spring screw mechanisms, achieving operation safety without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch works in conjunction with the resilient snapper to create a self-controlling system. When the latch is in the locked position, it automatically prevents the resilient snapper from disengaging, providing self-protection against incorrect operations without requiring external monitoring or control systems.
3Device complexity
If common screws are used to mount modules, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The module is segmented into distinct functional components: the module body, the resilient snapper for engagement, and the latch for control. This segmentation allows for rapid assembly and disengagement operations while maintaining structural integrity, improving productivity compared to fully screwed connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient snapper provides dynamic engagement capability, allowing modules to be quickly inserted and locked into slots without manual screw tightening. The latch adds a simple control mechanism that enables rapid switching between locked and unlocked states, significantly improving assembly and disassembly efficiency compared to static screw connections.
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 solution simplifies the operation by allowing secure module engagement and disengagement with minimal space requirements, reducing the risk of incorrect operations and integrating seamlessly with existing designs.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient snapper arranged on the module body
Implementation Method 2
The latch and the module body form a sliding pair. The module body is provided with a guide rail, and the latch with a guide groove
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a module with fixed structures, which comprises a module body, a latch and a resilient snapper mounted on the module body like a cantilever. The latch movably connected to the module body can move between the lock position and the unlock position, and on the module body is set a stop surface for preventing the latch from disengagement. The latch moves between the lock and unlock positions. When in the lock position, the latch is at least partly in the downward movement path of the free end of the resilient snapper; and when in the unlock position, the latch is out of the downward movement path of the free end of the resilient snapper. By employing a latch to control the moving space of the resilient snapper, the structure concerned is simple, and moreover only upon a toggle operation can the latch be switched between different positions. This ensures that only when the latch is unlocked, can the resilient snapper be operated in a way to enable the module to be taken out of the slot. While the latch is locked, incorrect operations are avoidable.