Self-aligning modular latch for medication containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secure storage systems for medications, such as narcotics and controlled substances, face challenges in achieving precise alignment of latch elements due to component tolerances and clearances, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a self-aligning latch mechanism that includes a fastener with a retention feature and a first reference surface, coupled with a latch having an engagement element and a first alignment feature. This mechanism allows the fastener to laterally displace when the lid is closed, ensuring precise alignment with the latch's alignment surface, thereby compensating for tolerances and clearances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tighter tolerances are used for latch elements to achieve precise alignment, then the reliability of engagement and disengagement is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment feature on the lid performs preliminary alignment of the fastener with the latch element before final engagement occurs. This preliminary action compensates for tolerance variations, allowing standard tolerances to be used while maintaining reliable engagement and disengagement of the lid.
2Reliability
If adjustable features are incorporated into the container to achieve precise alignment, then the reliability of the latch mechanism is improved, but the device complexity and assembly labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment feature automatically performs the alignment function without requiring external adjustment mechanisms or additional labor during assembly. The fastener self-aligns with the latch element through the alignment feature, eliminating the need for adjustable features and reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable latch operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A container is disclosed that has a housing and a lid. The lid has a planar portion and a latch that is freely movable parallel to the planar portion of the lid. The latch has a retention feature and a first reference surface that is perpendicular to the planar portion of the lid. There is a latch mechanism coupled to the housing that has an engagement element configured to engage the retention feature of the latch and a first alignment feature having a first alignment surface. The first alignment feature is configured to laterally displace the latch in a first direction such that the first reference surface aligns with the first alignment surface when the lid is brought together with the housing with the fastener laterally displaced away from the engagement element in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.