Self-Locking Module Assembly With Rotary Latch Release

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing module-fixing structures require manual fastening and unfastening of bolts or buckle-matching devices, making assembly and disassembly inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A self-locking module device with a rotary driving structure that includes a rotary plate, handle, latches, and springs, allowing automatic fastening and unlocking by rotating the handle, eliminating the need for manual bolts or buckle-matching devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If bolts or buckle-matching devices are used to fix the module, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring manual fastening and unfastening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidease of assembly and disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The latch transitions from a static bolt or buckle system to a dynamic mechanism that can automatically move between locked and unlocked positions. The rotary handle enables the latch to rotate and engage/disengage from the locking hole, providing automatic locking without manual fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The module fixing system performs self-service through automatic locking when the cover body is combined with the box body. The latch automatically engages with the locking hole without requiring external tools or manual fastening operations, eliminating the need for users to manually tighten bolts or manipulate buckles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If bolts are used to fix the module, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the loss of time increases due to requiring tool removal and fastening operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly and disassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The latch is pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage with the locking hole when the cover body is brought into the correct position relative to the box body. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for time-consuming manual fastening operations while maintaining reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional mechanical bolt-fastening system requiring tools is replaced with a rotary-handle-actuated latch mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for external tools and multiple fastening operations, significantly reducing assembly and disassembly time while maintaining connection reliability through the engaged latch.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If a rotary driving structure with latch is used, then the ease of operation is improved through automatic fastening, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of fasteningVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into the rotary handle mechanism: it serves as both the operating handle and the driving force for the latch. The latch itself combines the locking function with the engagement mechanism, eliminating the need for separate fastening components and reducing overall structural complexity despite the automated function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary handle serves multiple functions: it directly drives the latch to engage/disengage, acts as the user interface for operation, and provides the mechanical advantage needed to overcome spring force. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, offsetting the complexity introduced by the automatic fastening mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables quick and intuitive separation and fastening of the box body and cover body, enhancing user convenience and simplifying the assembly process.

Implementation Method 1

At least one spring is adapted to drive the at least one pin to tend to move towards the first end of the displacement hole of the at least one latch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The rotary plate is disposed on the inner side of the cover board and the rotation center portion of the rotary plate is rotatably disposed on the penetrated portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 3

An outer end portion of the at least one latch has at least one tongue, wherein the at least one tongue protrudes out of a periphery of the cover board and is inserted into the at least one locking hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear motion:

Data Source

PatentUS20250230681A1Self-locking module device
Publication Date: 2025.07.17 ALPHA NETWORKS INC
  • US20250230681A1 patent drawing
  • US20250230681A1 patent drawing
  • US20250230681A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A self-locking module device includes a box body, a module base, and a rotary driving structure. The box body has a module space and an opening. The module base includes a cover body. The rotary driving structure is disposed on the cover body and includes a rotary plate and a rotary handle. The rotary handle is rotated to drive the rotary plate to rotate, thereby two movable latches on two sides of the rotary plate are driven to retract from at least one locking hole of the box body. At that time, the module base could be pulled out from the box body through the rotary handle. When the module base is pushed to return into the box body, the two latches on the two sides of the rotary plate abut against a peripheral edge of the opening to retract and then are inserted into the locking holes.