Infant Safety Seat Handle Latch for Multi-Position Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infant safety seats have complex and heavy handle adjustment mechanisms, increasing manufacturing costs and weight.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable handle assembly with a latch element and coupling elements featuring locking grooves and a guide slot, allowing the handle to be easily locked and unlocked, reducing the number of components and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex adjustment mechanism is provided between the handle and seat, then the handle can be adjusted to multiple positions, but the construction becomes complex, weight increases, and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete locking grooves (first and second locking grooves) positioned at specific angular intervals, allowing the handle to be divided into fixed angular positions. This segmentation provides multiple adjustable positions while keeping each individual locking element simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch element is movably assembled within the guide slot of the second coupling element, creating a nested structure. The latch element can move along the guide slot to engage with different locking grooves, providing multiple positions while maintaining a compact and simple overall structure without requiring complex mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex adjustment mechanism is provided between the handle and seat, then the handle can be adjusted to multiple positions, but the weight of the handle block increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism uses discrete locking grooves at specific angular positions rather than a continuous complex mechanism. This segmentation allows the handle to achieve multiple positions with minimal structural components, reducing the overall weight of the handle assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential components needed for adjustment functionality - the latch element, guide slot, and locking grooves - removing unnecessary complex mechanisms. This extraction of essential elements reduces the weight of the handle block while maintaining adjustability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex adjustment mechanism is provided between the handle and seat, then the handle can be adjusted to multiple positions, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is designed with discrete locking grooves at specific angular intervals, which can be easily manufactured using standard machining processes. This segmentation approach simplifies the manufacturing process compared to complex continuous adjustment mechanisms, reducing production costs while providing multiple adjustable positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential components (latch element, guide slot, locking grooves) needed for adjustment functionality, eliminating unnecessary complex parts. This reduction in component count and complexity directly lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the required adjustability.
4Device complexity
If a simple adjustment mechanism is used, then the construction is simpler and weight is reduced, but the handle may not be securely locked in position
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses discrete locking grooves positioned at specific angular intervals, providing defined secure positions. The latch element engages with these grooves to create reliable locked positions, ensuring the handle remains securely fixed while maintaining simple construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch element features a spherical head that fits within the guide slot, allowing smooth movement and reliable engagement with the locking grooves. This spherical geometry ensures positive locking while maintaining simplicity in the overall mechanism design.
Data Source
AI summary
An infant safety seat comprises a seat shell, a handle and at least a latch element mounted between the seat shell and the handle. Two sides of the seat shell are provided with first coupling elements, each of which includes multiple locking grooves. Two sides of the handle has second coupling elements that are pivotally connected with the first coupling elements, each of the second coupling elements having an interior defining a guide slot. The latch element is movably assembled in the guide slot and includes at least a first stud, the latch element being operable to switch between a locked state where the first stud is engaged with one of the locking grooves to hold the handle in place, and an unlocked state where the first stud is disengaged from the locking grooves to allow rotation of the handle relative to the seat shell.