Screen Latch Actuator with Cam-Driven Dual Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roll screen assemblies face issues with center locking devices that create slack in the screen, leading to uneven force distribution and bowing, and there is a lack of simple latch mechanisms for engaging cutouts or blocks in the track for secure latching at fully paid out positions.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly with a camming member and release bolts that engage detents to operate a latch mechanism, allowing for secure latching and unlatching by moving the camming member, which includes grips for user operation and cam surfaces to engage operators, ensuring controlled movement and distribution of forces across the screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a center locking device is provided at the center of the screen, then the screen can be locked at a single point, but this creates slack in the screen adjacent to the high and low ends and results in uneven force distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is segmented into two separate latching points: a header latch and a sill latch. This segmentation allows the screen to be secured at both the top and bottom edges simultaneously, eliminating the slack problem associated with single-point center locking while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
2Reliability
If a latch release bolt is provided proximate the header and sill, then the slack in the screen disappears and forces are uniformly distributed, but this requires additional hardware and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The header latch and sill latch mechanisms are merged into a single integrated actuation system. A single operational input (cam member rotation) simultaneously controls both latching points, achieving uniform force distribution while minimizing the quantity of independent hardware components.
3Device complexity
If a simple latch mechanism is provided for engaging cutouts in the track, then the hardware quantity is reduced, but achieving secure latching at fully paid out position becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism incorporates curved cam surfaces that guide the latch bolts into precise engagement with the track cutouts. The cam geometry provides self-aligning action that ensures accurate latching position without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or excessive hardware.
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 assembly provides a simple, lightweight solution that minimizes complications of center lock devices, ensuring uniform force distribution and reducing bowing issues, allowing the screen to move smoothly between latched and unlatched positions without the need for excessive hardware.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator for a latch assembly comprising a cam member including cam surfaces to engage detents to, operate said latch assembly
Implementation Method 2
The screen assembly mounted on a tube R accumulates around said tube loaded by a spring
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator for a latch assembly comprising a cam member including cam surfaces to engage detents to, operate said latch assembly, the resulting motion of the detents to operate a release member for a header latching portion and simultaneously to operate a release member for a sill latching portion, or alternatively to operate release members for jamb latching portions.