Multi-Axial Door Catch for Earthquake-Resistant Latch Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door latch mechanisms fail to securely maintain a closed position during various spatial motions and forces, such as those caused by earthquakes, leading to disengagement and potential damage to the latch, catch, and surrounding components.
Innovation Solution
A multi-axial catch system that includes a mount and catch body, allowing rotation around multiple axes, with a recess to engage the latch head and elastic couplers to maintain engagement during longitudinal, lateral, and transverse motions, thereby relieving forces and preventing disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional fixed catch mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the latch disengages during spatial motions such as earthquakes
Solution Approach 1:
The catch mechanism is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamic one capable of rotating around multiple axes. The catch body can rotate around a first axis (longitudinal rotation) and a second axis (transverse rotation), allowing it to adapt to spatial motions and maintain latch engagement during earthquakes and other external forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds rotational degrees of freedom in multiple dimensions. The catch can rotate around a first axis extending transversely to the engagement direction and a second axis extending longitudinally, creating a multi-axial system that responds to forces from different directions and prevents disengagement.
2Reliability
If a multi-axial rotating catch system is implemented, then the latch remains engaged during spatial motions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catch mechanism is divided into separable components: a mount that attaches to the frame, a catch body that rotates, and an elastic coupler that provides restoring force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and manufacturality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses an elastic coupler that changes the mechanical parameters of the system by providing a spring force. This elastic element allows the catch to rotate during spatial motions and then returns it to its original position, maintaining engagement reliability without requiring a complex active control system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the catch is fixed to the frame, then the structure is simple, but forces during spatial motions cause disengagement and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic coupler acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and mitigates the harmful forces generated during spatial motions such as earthquakes. By allowing controlled rotation and providing a restoring spring force, it prevents the transmission of damaging forces to the latch and catch components while maintaining engagement.
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 multi-axial catch system effectively secures the door in a closed position across multiple axes, reducing the risk of disengagement and damage from external forces, ensuring the door remains closed and preventing deformation or damage to the latch and catch components.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic coupler configured to position the catch body in the rotational at-rest position
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-axial catch comprises a mount and a catch body coupled to the mount. The mount affixes the catch to a frame and the catch body has a recess to position a latch head of a latch within the recess to engage the latch with the catch. The catch can include a cam to form the recess. The catch rotates around a rotation axis in response to a longitudinal motion of the latch. The catch body is coupled to the mount to allow the catch body to rotate around a pivot axis in response to a transverse motion of the latch. The catch includes an elastic coupler to position the catch in a rotational at-rest position and an elastic coupler to position the catch-body in a transverse at-rest position. The recess allows the latch head to move laterally, in response to a lateral motion of the latch, within the catch.