Mouse Trap Latch Trigger Curved Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mouse traps face issues with inconsistent latching mechanisms, leading to accidental releases and failure to trigger when a mouse contacts the trap, due to variability in latching security.
Innovation Solution
A mouse trap design featuring a rectangular base with a transverse midpoint, a swinging striker biased by a helical spring, a trigger with recesses for bait and extra mass at the distal end, and a latch with a groove for precise engagement with the trigger, ensuring consistent latching and increased likelihood of trigger release upon mouse contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the latching mechanism is made more secure, then reliability of latching is improved, but the striker may not release when a mouse contacts the trigger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the latch and trigger components. Specifically, the latch has a curved surface that contacts a corresponding curved surface on the trigger, creating a defined mechanical interface. The latch arm length, curvature radius, and contact point positions are optimized to achieve consistent latching force while maintaining reliable release when the trigger is depressed by a mouse.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism transitions from a static connection to a dynamic one where the latch can pivot smoothly between latched and unlatched positions. The curved contact surfaces enable controlled motion and force distribution, allowing the system to adapt between the two extreme states (securely latched vs. easily released) based on the applied force.
2Ease of operation
If the latching mechanism is made less secure, then trigger release is improved, but accidental releases increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters including the latch arm length, curvature radius of contact surfaces, and position of the pivot point. These parameters are designed to create a latching force sufficient to prevent accidental releases during normal handling, while still allowing easy release when a mouse contacts the trigger.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved contact surfaces act as intermediaries between the latch and trigger, distributing forces smoothly and providing a controlled mechanical interface. This intermediary mechanism ensures that small forces (accidental touches) do not cause release, while larger forces (mouse contact) reliably trigger release.
3Ease of operation
If the latch position is adjusted closer to the trigger, then trigger release is improved, but latching security decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent precisely determines the optimal position of the latch relative to the trigger through geometric parameter optimization. The curved contact surfaces are positioned at specific distances and angles to achieve the desired balance between latching security and trigger release reliability.
4Reliability
If the latch position is adjusted farther from the trigger, then latching security is improved, but trigger release reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the distance between the latch and trigger by adjusting geometric parameters such as the latch arm length and curvature radius. This ensures that even when the latch is positioned to provide strong latching security, the trigger can still be reliably released when a mouse contacts it.
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 improved mouse trap achieves consistent latching and reduced accidental releases, while ensuring the striker is more likely to swing onto the mouse when triggered, addressing the variability and reliability issues of existing designs.
Implementation Method 1
a helical spring attached to the base at the midpoint biasing the striker toward the unarmed position
Data Source
AI summary
A mouse trap has a spring-loaded striker that is released when the mouse depresses a trigger. The trigger with has recesses near the distal end of the trigger and has a latch having an enlargement at its distal end. The enlargement contains a groove that engages a lower corner of the trigger when the mouse trap is armed.