Multi-Axis Latchbolt Assembly with Rotatable Wedge for Misaligned Strikes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional latchbolt locks face issues such as improper retraction due to improper striking angle and potential bending or breaking of the bolt, leading to drawer damage and frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
A multi-axis latchbolt lock assembly with a housing, driver, bolt, and latching wedge design that allows the bolt to self-close vertically and rotate against spring pressure, incorporating a second rotational axis for the latching wedge to engage with a striking point smoothly, ensuring secure latching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the strike member hits the structure at an improper angle, then the bolt may not retract properly causing drawer damage, but adding angular adjustment mechanisms increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the latching wedge rotatable relative to the bolt member. This allows the wedge to dynamically adjust its angle during the latching process, enabling it to conform to striking surfaces at various angles. The rotatable connection transforms a static, angle-sensitive mechanism into a dynamic one that can adapt to improper striking angles without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second rotational dimension by allowing the latching wedge to rotate on an axis perpendicular to the bolt's movement direction. This adds a rotational degree of freedom that enables the wedge to compensate for angular misalignment in the latching process, effectively solving the angle sensitivity problem without increasing the complexity of the primary locking mechanism.
2Reliability
If the strike member repeatedly hits against the structure, then the bolt may bend and break requiring replacement, but increasing bolt strength increases device weight
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable latching wedge creates a dynamic latching mechanism that can absorb and redistribute impact forces through rotational motion. Instead of the bolt directly承受ing all impact forces, the wedge can rotate to accommodate angular variations, reducing stress concentration and preventing bolt bending and breaking without requiring excessive bolt strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching wedge acts as an intermediary between the bolt and the striking surface. It mediates the interaction by providing a rotatable connection point that can adapt to various striking angles, protecting the bolt from direct impact forces and reducing the need for overly robust (and heavy) bolt construction.
3Force
If the bolt engages at a higher point, then latching force is stronger, but wear and tear on the strike member increases
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing rotational freedom to the latching wedge, the patent enables the system to engage at lower points on the striking surface without sacrificing effective latching force. The rotational capability allows the wedge to orient itself optimally during engagement, maintaining strong latching force even when contacting lower portions of the strike member that experience less wear.
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 design ensures smooth latching and enhanced security by allowing the bolt to retract and engage at a lower point, reducing wear and tear, and providing a more reliable locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first spring disposed in the housing and configured to bias the bolt away from the housing into a first position
Implementation Method 2
the latching wedge rotates to conform to a surface of the another portion of the structure
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-axis latchbolt lock assembly for use with cabinet drawers, desk drawers and the like is provided. The lock assembly includes a housing, a driver, a latchbolt, and an endplate. When an appropriate key is inserted into a keyhole of a locking actuation member, rotation of the key will actuate the driver that subsequently actuates the latchbolt into a locked or unlocked position in a vertical direction. The latchbolt includes a bolt member and a latching wedge, wherein the latching wedge is coupled to the bolt member in a rotatable relationship.