Nested Bolt Latch Assembly for Any-Order Dual Door Closing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latching mechanisms for locking two doors with a single lock often require one door to be closed first, leading to potential crashes and damage when doors are closed in a different order, especially when using automatic latching systems.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly with a pusher engagement member and a catch engagement member, along with sliding spring-loaded bolts, allows for automatic latching of two doors without manual intervention, enabling them to be closed in any order, including simultaneously, by using a pair of partially nested bolts that extend or retract based on engagement, preventing crashes and ensuring secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single lock is used to lock two doors with automatic latching, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates when doors are closed in the wrong order causing crashes
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly uses nested bolts where a first bolt and a second bolt are positioned one behind the other along the door closure path. The first bolt engages with the first door, while the second bolt engages with the second door. This nesting arrangement allows both doors to be latched independently by a single lock mechanism without interference, eliminating crash risks while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If manual slide action latch is used, then the reliability of latching is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as user must reach behind door to manually latch
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is designed with automatic latching capability where the lock mechanism automatically actuates both the first bolt and the second bolt when the door with the lock closes. This self-service feature eliminates the need for manual intervention to reach behind the door and manually latch it, while maintaining reliable latching through the automatic engagement of the nested bolts.
3Productivity
If automatic latching is used when closing door with lock first, then the productivity is improved, but the object-affected harmful factors worsen due to crash involving latch mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The nested bolt configuration allows the first bolt to engage the first door and the second bolt to engage the second door independently. When the door with the lock closes first, the lock mechanism can actuate both bolts simultaneously or in sequence without causing a crash, as the nested arrangement provides clear engagement paths for both doors.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly is pre-configured with the nested bolts positioned to engage both doors. When the door with the lock closes, the lock mechanism is already positioned to actuate both bolts, enabling automatic latching of both doors in any order without requiring manual intervention or causing harmful crashes.
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 allows for secure, automatic latching of multiple doors without manual operation, preventing crashes and ensuring secure locking, even when doors are closed in varying orders, and can be retrofitted or installed in new structures, providing flexibility and safety in applications like wardrobes and cabinets.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of sliding spring-loaded bolts comprising respective bolt and spring pairs received in axial alignment for slide movement
Data Source
AI summary
A self-contained latch module in combination with a pusher and catch (collectively “latch assembly”) allows for the locking of two doors with a single lock. The latch module contains two spring-loaded bolts, one active and one passive. Pushing the active bolt into the latch housing, the passive bolt extends out of the opposite side of the latch housing. Pushing onto the passive bolt in the direction of the latch housing while the active bolt is depressed will allow the passive bolt to retract into the housing without affecting the active bolt on the opposite side. This allows a user to slam closed the associated doors in any order. The self-latching nature of this latch assembly allows for the automatic latching of the cabinet doors without having to manually latch one of the doors before locking the other. In the case of tall wardrobe doors, it is desirable to install two latch assemblies; one at the top and another at the bottom, with the lock installed in the center position of the door, thereby preventing the prying of the doors. The latch assembly is mountable at the top and/or bottom of a cabinet or wardrobe, and is field retrofitable.