Rotary Pawl Latch Compressive Force via Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch designs fail to provide effective compressive force between securing members, such as a door and a panel, and lack efficient mechanisms for secure engagement and release.
Innovation Solution
A rotary pawl latch with an electrically operated actuator assembly, including a motor, worm gear, pinion gear, cam gear, and support plate, that applies a compressive force by retracting the pawl into the housing and using a Bowden cable for backup release, ensuring secure engagement and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If existing latch designs are used, then the structure is simple, but they fail to provide effective compressive force between securing members
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism transitions from static to dynamic operation through the rotary pawl design. The pawl rotates between engaged and disengaged positions, allowing the support plate to move between retracted and extended positions, thereby dynamically applying and releasing compressive force as needed for secure fastening and release operations
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate serves as an intermediary element between the pawl and the striker. When the pawl rotates to engage, it moves the support plate forward, which in turn applies compressive force to the door panel through the striker. This intermediary mechanism amplifies the force transmission and enables effective compression without requiring the pawl itself to directly contact the panel
2Reliability
If a secure engagement mechanism is implemented, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch operates through periodic rotational action of the pawl. Each engagement or release operation involves rotating the pawl through a specific arc (90 degrees for engagement, 270 degrees for release), creating a clear periodic motion pattern that is both reliable and easy to operate. The periodic nature ensures consistent engagement force and predictable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional complex mechanical linkage systems are replaced with a simplified rotary pawl mechanism driven by an electric motor. The direct rotational motion of the pawl, transmitted through the support plate to the striker, eliminates the need for multiple levers, springs, and linkages, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining secure engagement through the robust pawl-striker interface
3Reliability
If a backup release mechanism is added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Bowden cable acts as an intermediary backup release mechanism. When the primary electrical actuator fails, the cable can be manually pulled to directly move the support plate and disengage the pawl from the striker. This cable-mediated approach provides a simple, reliable backup that bypasses the complex electrical system while adding minimal structural complexity to the overall 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 latch provides a secure compressive force of up to 800 N, capable of withstanding 12,000 N without breaking, and includes a backup mechanism for safe release, ensuring reliable operation and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator assembly includes a motor, a worm gear, a pinion gear, a cam gear, and a support plate
Implementation Method 2
The latch provides a secure compressive force of up to 800 N, capable of withstanding 12,000 N without breaking
Implementation Method 3
includes a backup mechanism for safe release
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to improvements in latch design. The illustrated embodiment of the present invention is a rotary pawl latch with the capability to provide a compressive force between the first member and the second member.