Push-and-pull latch with inclined guiding groove for compact locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional latch devices for door and drawer locks are complex, difficult to assemble and maintain, and require a large operating space, making them unsuitable for limited spaces and inefficient in operation.
Innovation Solution
A push-and-pull latch device with an inner-shaft component and inner-sleeve assembly that uses a guiding groove with inclined surfaces to facilitate easy assembly and operation, allowing components to engage or disengage with a simple pressing action, reducing the complexity and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional latch devices use multiple elastic tongue-and-slot components to achieve positioning and locking functions, then the positioning and locking function is achieved, but the overall structure becomes complex and difficult to assemble and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple elastic tongue-and-slot components into a single integrated elastic component with multiple engaging portions. This merging reduces the number of separate parts, simplifies the overall structure, and makes assembly and maintenance easier while maintaining the positioning and locking functions at different positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single elastic component is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides positioning at different positions, locking functionality, and operates with both push and pull actions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If conventional latch devices are designed with sufficient operating space for operation, then the operation function is achieved, but the device cannot meet practical requirements in limited spaces such as door locks or drawer locks on transportation vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The latch device utilizes the dynamic movement of the elastic component along a guiding groove with inclined surfaces. The elastic component can dynamically adjust its position and deformation state, allowing the device to operate effectively in limited space while maintaining full operational functionality through push and pull actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding groove with inclined surfaces introduces a dimensional aspect to the operation, allowing the elastic component to move along an inclined path rather than requiring lateral operating space. This enables the latch to be operated in a limited space by utilizing the vertical or depth dimension through the inclined groove mechanism.
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 device achieves compactness, ease of assembly and operation, and enhanced maintainability, enabling effective opening, closing, and locking functions in limited spaces while simplifying the assembly process compared to conventional designs.
Implementation Method 1
The first elastic component is constantly abutted between the corresponding one of the two arms and the housing, so that when the latching portion is passed through the lateral opening and engaged with the fixed component, the movable component is blocked from moving relative to the fixed component
Implementation Method 2
The second elastic component includes a first end connected to the bottom portion of the inner-sleeve assembly and a second end accommodated within the fixing space of the inner-shaft component. The second elastic component is constantly abutted between the inner-shaft component and the inner-sleeve assembly, so that the at least one third engaging portion is engaged with the at least one second engaging portion
Implementation Method 3
The guiding groove includes a plurality of inclined surfaces segmented to form a non-reverse sawtooth structure. It is beneficial for one end of the elastic component to constantly abut the guiding groove, and to move steadily along the guiding groove to be positioned at a specific position
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a push-and-pull latch device including a housing, a latching component, a first elastic component, an inner-sleeve assembly, an inner-shaft component, a second elastic component and a third elastic component. The first elastic component abuts the latching component. The latching component engages an object through the housing. The inner-sleeve assembly is accommodated within the housing. The inner-shaft component is partially accommodated within the inner-sleeve assembly. The second elastic component is abutted between the inner-shaft component and the inner-sleeve assembly. The third elastic component includes a fixed portion connected to the inner-shaft component and an engaging end engaged with a guide groove of the inner-sleeve assembly. By driving the inner-shaft component to move the engaging end relative to the guide groove or move the inner-sleeve assembly relative to the housing, the relative positions between the components can be switched to provide the functions of opening and closing.