One-Piece Pinch Flex Latch for Automatic Step Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex latches with multiple components are prone to failure due to increased weight and complexity, making it difficult to securely latch objects together without manual intervention, especially in applications like step ladders where safety is a concern.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece latch comprising a hook portion, base portion, and pinch flex portion that automatically biases to latch objects together without springs or additional components, using a cam mechanism to engage and release the latch, ensuring secure attachment and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If complex latches with multiple components are used to automatically latch objects together, then the automatic latching function is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased likelihood of failure from more components
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism merges multiple functional components (biasing element, cam lever, and latch hook) into a single integrated one-piece structure. This eliminates the need for separate springs and multiple moving parts while maintaining the automatic latching function, thereby reducing failure points and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from traditional multi-component latch systems. By removing separate springs and independent biasing elements, the design achieves automatic latching through the geometry and elasticity of the single-piece structure itself, reducing complexity and potential failure modes.
2Device complexity
If simple manual latches are used to hold objects together, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the self-service principle. As the first object is moved toward the second object, the cam portion automatically engages the cam lever, which in turn triggers the hook to engage with the catch, completing the latching action without any manual intervention. The system uses the motion of the objects themselves to activate the latching mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element is pre-loaded during manufacturing to store elastic energy. This preliminary action ensures that when the cam lever is engaged, the stored energy automatically drives the hook into the latched position, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining device simplicity.
3Extent of automation
If latches with springs or additional components are used to create force bias, then the automatic latching function is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state and properties of the latch material by using an elastomeric or flexible polymer with inherent elastic memory. This material property change eliminates the need for separate metal springs, reducing weight while maintaining the automatic biasing function through the material's natural elasticity and shape recovery characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch is constructed from composite or elastomeric materials that combine structural rigidity with elastic flexibility. This allows the single-piece latch to function as both the structural component and the biasing element, eliminating heavy metal springs and reducing overall weight while maintaining automatic latching capability.
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 one-piece latch provides a lightweight, reliable, and fail-safe mechanism for securing objects, reducing the risk of failure and enhancing user safety by automatically engaging when objects are brought together, eliminating the need for manual operation.
Implementation Method 1
under a force bias created in the pinch flex portion by the pinch flex portion being compressed
Data Source
AI summary
A ladder having a front section and a rear section. The ladder has a step attached to the front section and a cross bar attached to the rear section. The ladder has a latch attached to the cross bar and positioned on the cross bar so when the ladder is in a folded position where the front section is alongside and in parallel with the rear section, the latch latches with the step. The latch has a hook portion having a hook which engages with the step that the latch holds in place. The latch has a base portion that is fixed to the cross bar. The latch has a pinch flex portion connected to the base portion and the hook portion.