Push-Push Lock Latching Device with Dual Guideways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push-push locking mechanisms can only accommodate one latched position and require sequential transition between positions, limiting their ability to securely fasten items of different sizes in a single receiving opening.
Innovation Solution
A latching device with two parallel guideways connected via a return track, allowing direct selection and switching between two latching positions without needing to pass through an initial position, utilizing a heart-shaped cardioid guide groove and a braking mechanism for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a simple heart-shaped curve with a single guideway is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to accommodate different sized objects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The guideway is segmented into multiple independent paths (first guideway and second guideway) within the heart-shaped curve, each leading to different latching positions. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to accommodate different sized beverage containers by selecting the appropriate path, thereby improving adaptability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates a movable latching element that can dynamically switch between different guideways based on the size of the beverage container. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to varying requirements while maintaining a relatively simple fixed structure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If sequential transition through multiple latching positions is required, then the reliability of positioning is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple guideways are pre-configured within the heart-shaped curve, with each guideway leading directly to a specific latching position. The latching element is pre-positioned to engage with the appropriate guideway based on the beverage container size. This preliminary configuration enables direct selection of the desired latching position without requiring sequential transitions, improving ease of operation while maintaining positioning reliability through the pre-established guideway paths.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a latching device for a push-push locking mechanism, wherein the latching device comprises a drive means, an actuable lever element, a latching element, and a guide groove, wherein the drive means allows movement of the guide groove and a direction of movement of the guide groove to be predetermined, the actuable lever element is movable opposite to the direction of movement of the guide groove, and the guide groove has a starting position, a first latching position, and a second latching position for the latching element, a first guide track for guiding the latching element to the first latching position, and a second guide track for guiding the latching element to the second latching position, and the first guide track and the second guide track are arranged essentially side by side and connected via a return track of the guide groove. The invention further relates to a method for actuating a latching device.