Rotating Tension Latch for Automated Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated assembly line operations require a reliable and reusable mechanical fastener that can temporarily couple and relocate assemblies without using magnetic or vacuum forces, which may be unsuitable for certain applications due to material or weight constraints.
Innovation Solution
A rotating tension latch system comprising a female hook member with radially inward pins and a male latch member with a truncated cone and irregular surfaces, allowing for self-alignment and secure temporary latching and unlatching through vertical motion and rotation, enabling the secure transport of workpieces without the need for magnetism or vacuum forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic forces are used to grasp the assembly for transport, then the assembly can be temporarily relocated, but magnetic forces may be undesirable because of the nature of the assembly which may be adversely affected by magnetism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces magnetic or vacuum force systems with a purely mechanical fastening system consisting of a male latch member and female hook member. The mechanical latch uses geometric interlocking features (truncated cone, irregular surfaces, radially inward pins) to create a positive mechanical connection that can grasp and relocate assemblies without exposing them to magnetic fields.
2Ease of operation
If vacuum forces are used to grasp the assembly, then the assembly can be temporarily relocated, but assemblies may be unsuitable for vacuum force due to insufficient area or excessive weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces vacuum force systems with a mechanical latch system that uses direct physical interlocking. The male latch member with its truncated cone and irregular surfaces engages with the female hook member containing radially inward pins, creating a mechanical connection that is independent of surface area and unaffected by weight limitations that constrain vacuum systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a simple mechanical fastener is used, then the device can be re-used and avoided limitations of magnetism and vacuum, but the fastener must still provide secure coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric geometric features in the mechanical fastener design. The male latch member has a truncated cone with irregular surfaces that do not symmetrically distribute stress, while the female hook member has radially inward pins positioned at specific asymmetric locations. This asymmetry creates a unique interlocking geometry that provides secure coupling through geometric constraint rather than relying on symmetric force distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes curved surfaces, specifically the truncated cone geometry of the male latch member, to achieve secure mechanical coupling. The conical surface with irregular features creates a tapered engagement that guides the radially inward pins of the female hook member into proper alignment and maintains secure contact through the curved geometry, providing reliable coupling without magnetic or vacuum forces.
Data Source
AI summary
A female latch member comprising a main body having an aperture with a central axis and an inside surface. The female latch member further includes a first upper portion and second, third and fourth lower portions extending radially from said inside surface that cooperate to form first, second and third channels, each of said first, second and third channels having in order a first vertical upper limit, a second vertical lower limit, and a third vertical upper limit, said first, second and third channels configured to receive three related pins of a male hook member and cause said female latch member to rotate relative to said male hook member. The female latch member further includes a floating bearing assembly attached to the main body, the floating bearing configured to allow for rotation and at least one of parallel, angular or axial movement of the main body.