Sealed Compression Latch for Harsh Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compression latches in severe ambient conditions often fail due to water, ice, and debris accumulation, leading to reliability and durability issues, and there is a need for improved performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A compression latch assembly comprising a housing assembly, a handle actuator assembly, and a rotating pawl assembly with sealed compartments and sealing features like O-rings and gaskets to prevent liquid and debris ingress, along with a lockplug assembly for secure operation, and mounting hardware for secure installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compression latch is used to provide compressive force for sealing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the latch is exposed to water, ice, and debris accumulation that impairs functioning
Solution Approach 1:
The latch body is divided into separate sealed compartments (first compartment for latch mechanism, second compartment for lockplug assembly) that isolate internal components from environmental contaminants. This segmentation allows the latch to maintain reliable operation even when exposed to harsh conditions externally.
Solution Approach 2:
Sealing elements including O-rings, gaskets, and seals are employed throughout the latch assembly to create flexible barriers that prevent water, ice, and debris from entering the internal compartments. These flexible sealing films maintain their sealing effectiveness while accommodating thermal expansion and contraction in severe ambient conditions.
2Reliability
If sealing elements are added to prevent water and debris ingress, then reliability in harsh conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing functions are combined into integrated sealing elements that simultaneously protect multiple compartments and interfaces. The housing assembly integrates sealing features at the interface between compartments and at the handle penetration point, reducing the total number of separate sealing components needed while maintaining comprehensive protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed compartment structure serves multiple functions: it protects internal components from environmental contaminants, maintains lubrication effectiveness, prevents ice accumulation on moving parts, and provides structural rigidity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the latch structure is made more robust and sealed, then durability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is divided into modular assemblies (latch body, handle actuator assembly, rotating pawl assembly, lockplug assembly) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and manufactured using appropriate processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining durability.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized sealing elements with conventional cross-sectional profiles are used throughout the assembly, allowing for cost-effective manufacturing through standard extrusion or molding processes. The sealing elements are designed with parameters that optimize both durability and manufacturability, avoiding overly complex geometries that would increase production costs.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3F
AI summary
A compression latch assembly for latching a panel to a frame includes a housing assembly, a lockplug assembly, a handle actuator assembly, and a rotating pawl assembly. The housing assembly defines an exterior well and a first and second compartment. The lockplug assembly resides within the first compartment and includes a lockplug having a circumferential guide surface. The handle actuator assembly has a handle within the exterior well, a crank coupled to the handle, and a drive shaft coupled to the crank. The handle and the crank rotate about common pivot point within the second compartment. The handle is selectively captured and ejected by interaction between the circumferential guide surface and a locking pin on the handle. The rotating pawl assembly has a hook defining a slot that receives the drive shaft. Pivotal movement of the handle actuates the hook by movement of the drive shaft within the slot.