Oblique Slide Latch Mechanism for Secure Two-Action Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch mechanisms require multiple independent mechanical steps for operation, which can be cumbersome and may lead to unintentional opening if not performed in the correct sequence.
Innovation Solution
A latch apparatus with a housing and a slidable latch mechanism, where a lever pivots to engage an oblique channel on the latch, allowing a two-action operation that ensures the latch is securely engaged or disengaged in a specific sequence, minimizing size and parts while preventing unauthorized opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional latch mechanism is used, then the gate can be opened, but multiple independent mechanical steps are required which are cumbersome and may lead to unintentional opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple latch engagement steps into a single integrated lever pivoting motion. The lever simultaneously engages both the first and second latches through its movement along the oblique channel, eliminating the need for separate manual operations and preventing unintentional opening while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The oblique channel is pre-configured to guide the lever through a specific trajectory that automatically ensures proper engagement sequence. The channel geometry preliminarily determines the path of engagement, ensuring that both latches are engaged or disengaged together in the correct sequence without requiring user judgment or multiple steps.
2Reliability
If a two-action latch mechanism is implemented, then security against unauthorized opening is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single lever performs multiple functions: it engages and disengages both the first and second latches, provides the two-action security mechanism, and guides its own motion through the oblique channel. This multi-functionality achieves enhanced security without increasing the number of separate components or mechanical assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an oblique channel that adds a dimensional element to the latch mechanism. By guiding the lever along this inclined path rather than simple linear or rotational motion, the design achieves two-action engagement with minimal additional parts, using geometric constraint rather than mechanical complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If the latch mechanism is made compact, then the size is minimized, but finger pinching risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever features rounded edges and curved surfaces instead of sharp angles or flat surfaces. This curvature design maintains a compact overall size while eliminating finger pinching hazards by removing sharp corners and creating smooth contact surfaces that are safe for user interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
The present oblique slide latch apparatus includes a housing, lever, and latch. A straight channel is positioned obliquely on the latch and is oblique relative to an axis along which the latch slides. The lever includes first and second pegs that capture inner and outer portions of a latch head to minimize wobble of the latch. The latch head is positioned within opposite sides of the lever.