Quick-Release Latch With Cantilever Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-release latches are cumbersome to release, requiring significant force and odd movements, which is disadvantageous in safety-critical situations and limits performance and comfort in applications like body armor and sports gear.
Innovation Solution
The quick-release latch design features a male and female component with a tapered blade and cantilever wall, respectively, allowing for easy engagement and disengagement with a simple motion, and includes strap attachment sections for increased performance and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing latch designs are used, then the latch provides secure locking, but the latch requires significant force and complex movements to release
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system transitions from a static locking mechanism to a dynamic release mechanism. The cam surface and lever arm create a mechanical advantage system where a small lateral movement of the release element generates a large force to disengage the locking surfaces. This dynamic mechanism allows release with minimal force and simple motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surface acts as an intermediary element between the release lever and the locking surfaces. When the lever moves laterally, it rotates the cam, which converts this small lateral motion into a large vertical displacement that pushes the locking surfaces apart. This intermediary mechanism amplifies the release force and simplifies the user's required action.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing latch designs are used, then the latch provides secure locking, but the latch limits range of motion and flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system incorporates a dynamic release mechanism where the lever can move laterally to disengage the locking surfaces. This dynamic capability allows the system to transition between locked and unlocked states, providing adaptability for different operational requirements while maintaining structural stability when locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch system is divided into independent functional elements: the locking surfaces, the cam mechanism, and the release lever. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling the release lever to move freely in the lateral direction without affecting the stability of the locked components when engaged.
3Ease of operation
If existing latch designs are used, then the latch provides secure locking, but the latch is uncomfortable for extended wear
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system is designed to be easily donned and doffed by the user without requiring assistance or complex manipulation. The quick-release mechanism allows the user to simply pull the release lever to disengage the locking surfaces and remove the item, making it suitable for extended wear periods where frequent adjustment or removal may be needed.
4Reliability
If existing latch designs are used, then the latch provides secure locking, but the latch is prone to breaking under opening force
Solution Approach 1:
The cam surface serves as a force-distributing intermediary that prevents concentrated loads on the locking surfaces during release. By converting the lateral lever movement into a distributed pushing force across the cam surface and locking surfaces, the mechanism reduces stress concentrations that would otherwise cause cracking or breaking under repeated opening forces.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-release latch may include a male component and a female component. The male component may include an insertable male portion comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, and one or more sidewalls. The male component may also include a first strap attachment portion defining a first plurality of strap openings each having a laterally extending strap slot and a mouth positioned off-center of and providing exterior access to the respective strap slot. The female component may include a female receptacle portion comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, and one or more sidewalls collectively forming a receptacle configured to receive and releasably lock to the insertable male portion of the male component. The top wall of the female receptacle may include a cantilever wall partially surrounded by one or more slots. The cantilever wall may extend proximate a same plane as the top wall.