Range-Limited Latch Mechanism to Prevent Over-Rotation Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cabinet locking systems lack a mechanism to prevent over-rotation of pivotable latch members, which can lead to marring or galling damage and do not effectively retain drawers or doors in a closed position against inadvertent opening due to external forces.
Innovation Solution
A range limited latch mechanism that includes a pivotable latch member with stop portions to limit its movement between latching and releasing positions, preventing over-rotation and using biasing components like springs to maintain the latch in an interlocking position until manually released.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the latch member is made pivotable to allow manual release, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential over-rotation damage and accidental opening
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member is designed to be pivotable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically transition between latched and unlatched positions. This dynamic capability enables manual release while maintaining security when properly positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
Stop portions are pre-positioned on the latch member and latchable structure to define the legitimate range of motion before any problematic movement can occur. These stops prevent over-rotation and ensure the latch member cannot move beyond safe limits.
2Ease of operation
If the latch member is allowed full range of motion for manual release, then the ease of operation is improved, but the object-affected harmful factors worsen due to marring or galling damage
Solution Approach 1:
The stop portions are positioned in advance to define the exact boundaries of safe movement. This preliminary positioning prevents the latch member from rotating beyond the point where damage would occur to the latch or strike components.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop portions create a preliminary counter-force that prevents harmful over-rotation before it can occur. When the latch member approaches the stop, the mechanical contact provides immediate resistance to further movement, preventing damage.
3Reliability
If the latch member is made secure against accidental opening, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to difficulty in manual release
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement between the latch member and strike plate is designed to be uniformly stable across the latched position, providing consistent retention force against accidental opening from any direction (bumping, jostling, or tipping).
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 mechanism effectively prevents over-rotation and damage between latch and strike members, ensuring secure closure and easy opening of drawers or doors while minimizing wear and tear, thus enhancing security and usability.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating biasing components like springs to maintain the latch in an interlocking position until manually released
Data Source
AI summary
A latch mechanism includes a latchable structure and a latch member assembled with the latchable structure and movable between a latching position and a releasing position. The latch member includes a first stop portion positioned to engage a second stop portion carried by the latchable structure when the latch member is in one of the latching position and the releasing position.