Over-Center Reverse Draw Latch Assembly for Side-Access-Free Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional latch assemblies require access to both sides of components for engagement and release, limiting their application due to space constraints and operational orientation.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly design featuring a housing with a journal member and swing arm aperture, where a keeper/catch member rotates to create an over-center locking condition and pushing force, allowing for secure connection without the need for side access, using a pin aperture alignment for mounting and a biasing member for extension control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional draw mechanism latch is used, then the component can be connected to the support frame, but access to both sides of the component is required for engagement and release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional latch operation by using a reverse draw mechanism where the swing arm moves in the opposite direction of traditional latches. Instead of drawing the component toward the frame during engagement, the swing arm pushes the component away during engagement and pulls it toward the frame during release, eliminating the need for side access while maintaining connection security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a side-access operational dimension to a front-access dimension by repositioning the latch mechanism. The swing arm is configured to operate in a different spatial dimension, allowing engagement and release to be performed from the front of the component rather than requiring access to the sides, thus resolving the access requirement contradiction
2Ease of manufacture
If a conventional draw mechanism latch is used, then the latch arm can rotate to engage the hook, but side access space must be provided for the arc of rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the rotational arc direction of the swing arm compared to conventional latches. The swing arm rotates in the opposite direction, allowing the engagement mechanism to be positioned such that the arc of rotation occurs within the front access space rather than requiring side access space, thus reducing the required stationary object area while maintaining ease of manufacture
3Reliability
If the keeper/catch member rotates to create pushing force, then over-center locking is achieved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the keeper/catch member rotation function with the swing arm movement into a single integrated mechanism. The swing arm itself performs the rotational motion that creates the pushing force on the keeper, eliminating the need for separate actuating components and reducing overall device complexity while achieving reliable over-center locking
Solution Approach 2:
The swing arm is designed to automatically generate the pushing force on the keeper/catch member through its own rotational movement. The geometry of the swing arm and its connection to the keeper creates a self actuating mechanism where the arm's motion directly produces the locking force without requiring additional springs, cams, or actuating members, thus reducing complexity
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
Enables secure, over-center locking of components without requiring side access, providing flexibility in installation orientation and maintaining a closed position until manual release, suitable for applications like connecting radio units to support frames.
Implementation Method 1
Rotation of the keeper/catch member from an initial orientation having the keeper longitudinal axis rotated away from parallel alignment with the portion longitudinal axis to a second orientation having the keeper longitudinal axis approximately parallel with or oppositely positioned with respect to the portion longitudinal axis creates a pushing force acting through the keeper/catch member
Data Source
AI summary
A latch assembly includes a housing having a cavity between first and second end walls. The housing includes first and second journal members and first and second swing arm apertures at the second end wall. A swing arm member having a joining end is positioned within the cavity having first and second swing arms connected to the joining end having portions extending freely through the first and second swing arm apertures. A keeper/catch member is rotatably connected to the first and second journal members. Keeper/catch member rotation from an orientation rotated away from a longitudinal axis defined by a portion of the first and second swing arms extending through the swing arm apertures to an orientation approximately parallel with the longitudinal axis creates an over-center locking condition for the housing and a pushing force acting through the keeper/catch member to push a first component into contact with a second component.