Multi-pivot latch assembly for vehicle anchor engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional latch assemblies for securing child seats and other restraint systems in vehicles often lack versatility and ease of use, particularly in accommodating different types of seats and anchors, leading to potential instability and difficulty in secure attachment.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly design featuring a frame with pivot points and guide features that allow the latch to move through multiple positions for secure engagement and release, utilizing a release actuator and biasing members for manual operation, enabling secure attachment to various anchors and seats without unintentional release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional latch assembly uses a single pivot point, then the structure is simple, but the reliability of engagement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is divided into multiple functional segments with two distinct pivot points (first pivot point and second pivot point) spaced apart from each other. The latch member pivots sequentially about these two points during engagement and disengagement, creating multiple engagement positions that enhance reliability while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
2Reliability
If a latch assembly uses multiple pivot points, then the engagement security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member is designed to dynamically transition between two different pivot points during operation. During engagement, the latch pivots about the first pivot point to reach a first engagement position, then pivots about the second pivot point to reach a second engagement position. This dynamic switching between pivot points enhances security without requiring permanently fixed complex multi-pivot mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The latch member acts as an intermediary between the frame and the anchor, mediating the engagement process through sequential pivoting about two pivot points. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to achieve enhanced security through controlled multi-stage engagement while keeping the overall structure manageable by using a single movable latch component rather than multiple independent locking mechanisms
3Manufacturing precision
If the latch assembly design is optimized for specific anchor configurations, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is designed with universal compatibility to work with various anchor types and configurations. The frame includes multiple openings that can receive different anchor members, and the latch member with its two pivot points can adapt to different engagement geometries. This multi-functional design maintains manufacturing precision through standardized components while achieving versatility across different vehicle seats and anchor locations
4Reliability
If the latch assembly uses complex multi-position engagement, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member is pre-configured with two pivot points and corresponding engagement positions built into its structure. When the user inserts the anchor into the frame, the latch automatically guides the anchor through the engagement process, sequentially pivoting about the first and second pivot points to achieve secure multi-position engagement. This preliminary structural configuration eliminates the need for users to manually perform complex multi-step locking actions, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable multi-stage 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 latch assembly provides enhanced security and ease of use by ensuring multiple points of engagement for secure attachment, reducing the risk of unintentional release and accommodating various anchor and seat configurations, thus improving safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing member urges the latch toward a closed position
Implementation Method 2
a second biasing member urges the ejector forward
Data Source
AI summary
Latch assemblies for releasably engaging anchor members and other attachment points in vehicles are disclosed herein. A latch assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a latch and an ejector movably coupled to a frame. In some embodiments, a biasing member urges the ejector toward a position that holds the latch in a first or open position prior to attachment to an anchor member. When the anchor member presses against the ejector, another biasing member urges the latch to pivot from the first or open position to a second position about a first pivot point, and then from the second position to a third or fully closed position about a second pivot point.