Pin Latch Assembly for Casket Lid Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Burial caskets require a secure and lightweight latching mechanism that provides enhanced structural rigidity while minimizing parts count and maintaining an unobtrusive release mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A pin latch assembly comprising a latch housing, a movable inner latch member, and a pin, where the inner latch member is biased to engage the pin, securing the casket lid in a closed position, and can be disengaged using a push-release mechanism accessible from outside the casket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional latch mechanism is used to secure the casket lid, then the lid can be held in a closed position, but the latch mechanism becomes heavy and complex with multiple parts
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: a latch member with biasing element for automatic engagement, a release member with cam surface for controlled disengagement, and a pin for securing. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch member and release member are merged into a single integrated assembly that moves together through a common path. The biasing element is merged with the latch member, and the cam surface is merged with the release member, creating a unified mechanism that reduces parts count while maintaining latching reliability.
2Reliability
If a traditional latch mechanism is used to secure the casket lid, then the lid can be held in a closed position, but the latch mechanism becomes heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing element's force parameter is optimized to provide sufficient engagement force while minimizing weight. The cam surface geometry is designed to convert minimal input force into effective latching action, reducing the required spring force and consequently the weight of the biasing element and overall latch mechanism.
3Device complexity
If the latch mechanism is made simple with minimal parts, then the parts count is reduced, but the release mechanism becomes less secure and more exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The cam surface acts as an intermediary element between the release member and the latch member. It provides a controlled interaction point that ensures secure engagement during the latching process while allowing for a simple, hidden release mechanism that only needs to overcome the cam surface to disengage, maintaining security without exposing complex mechanisms.
4Device complexity
If the latch mechanism is made simple with minimal parts, then the parts count is reduced, but the structural rigidity of the casket is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it secures the lid in a closed position, provides structural support to enhance rigidity, and offers a controlled release mechanism. The pin, latch member, and release member work together to both latch the lid and reinforce the casket structure, eliminating the need for separate structural elements and reducing overall parts count while maintaining or improving structural rigidity.
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 pin latch assembly offers secure latching with minimal parts, enhanced structural rigidity, and a discreet release mechanism, ensuring the casket lid can be easily opened while maintaining security and sealing when closed.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is disposed in the latch housing and urges the inner latch member toward the engaging position
Data Source
AI summary
A pin latch assembly for releasably securing a casket lid in a closed position includes a latch housing and inner latch member disposed along a side wall of the casket, and a pin member projecting from the casket lid. The latch housing and inner latch member each include a respective bore or through-hole for receiving the pin member when the lid is closed. The inner latch member is movable within the latch housing between a pin-engaging position and a pin-disengaging position.