Pressure Plate Latch Locking Without Closure Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure plate latches are difficult to lock and unlock from the inside and can interfere with closing when locked, limiting their use in structures like caravans and dwellings where access is needed from the inside.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism with independently displaceable lock bodies and an automated actuating mechanism, featuring a gear arrangement and control unit, allowing for easy locking and unlocking from the inside and preventing interference during closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure plate latch is locked while in an unlatched configuration, then the latch appears locked from the outside, but internal interference between the lock body and latch body extension prevents proper closure
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism incorporates dynamic reconfiguration of the lock body position. When the latch body is pulled to close, the lock body automatically retracts from its locked position to avoid interference, allowing the latch to close properly while maintaining secure locking when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism is divided into separate lock bodies that can independently move. The first lock body engages with the latch body extension while the second lock body can be actuated independently, allowing the system to distinguish between locked and unlocked states without internal interference during closure operations.
2Device complexity
If a pressure plate latch uses a single lock body, then the structure is simple, but it cannot be opened from the inside and requires complex operation from the outside
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism uses two independently actuable lock bodies instead of a single lock body. The first lock body is actuated by external means (key or remote), while the second lock body can be actuated from the inside, enabling the latch to be opened from the inside without requiring complex external operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism serves multiple functions through its dual lock body design: it can be locked and unlocked from the outside using external actuation, and it can also be opened from the inside using internal actuation. This multi-functionality is achieved without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
3Reliability
If the lock body physically interferes with the latch body to prevent unlatching, then the latch is secure when locked, but the pressure plate cannot be pressed or actuated
Solution Approach 1:
The lock body is designed to dynamically change its position based on the latch body's state. When the latch body is in the locked position, the lock body engages to prevent unlatching. When the latch body is pulled to close, the lock body automatically retracts, allowing the pressure plate to be pressed without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock body is positioned in advance to engage with the latch body extension before the locking action is completed. This preliminary positioning ensures that the latch is securely locked while allowing the pressure plate to remain actuable through the lock body's strategic placement that does not obstruct the pressure plate mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A latch mechanism (10) in the form of a pressure plate latch or pressure lever lock or latch mechanism comprising a latch body (20) and a lock mechanism (32) comprising a first displaceable lock body (38). The lock mechanism (32) defines a lock opening (34) and is configurable in a locked configuration and unlocked configuration. When in the unlocked configuration, the lock opening (34) is open allowing a portion of the latch body (20) to be displaced thereinto to cause the latch body (20) to unlatch from a catch formation (24). When in the locked configuration. the first lock body (38) is displaced at least partially into the lock opening (34), thereby inhibiting the portion of the latch body (20) from being displaced into the lock opening (34). The latch mechanism (10) furthermore comprises an automated actuating mechanism (44) for displacing the first lock body (38).