Sequential Latch Closure System for Line-Engaging Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure systems for line-engaging devices are prone to unintentional release due to contact with objects or damage, leading to potential disengagement and safety risks, as they rely on resilient biases that can be compromised by debris or wear and tear, and may not provide sufficient interaction time for locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A closure system with a plurality of keepers and a latch that requires sequential actuations to transition from a locked to an unlocked position, ensuring that the line-engaging device can only unlock after passing through intermediate positions, reducing the likelihood of unintentional disengagement by requiring multiple actuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a resiliently biased closure system is used that can be unlocked with a single motion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to unintentional release from contact with objects or debris
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is segmented into multiple discrete locking positions (first locked position, second locked position, and unlocked position) rather than a single locking state. The latch must sequentially pass through these positions, requiring multiple distinct actuations to fully unlock, thereby preventing accidental single-contact release while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If a single-motion unlocking mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the interaction time for locking mechanisms is insufficient, leading to unreliable engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking process is divided into segmented steps corresponding to transitions between distinct latch positions. Each position provides a discrete engagement state with sufficient interaction time for reliable locking, while the overall process remains efficient through the segmented progression rather than requiring prolonged continuous action.
3Ease of manufacture
If a resiliently biased button or latch is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to damage from wear and tear or impairment from debris
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system uses multiple discrete latch positions rather than relying on the resilience of a single button or latch. This segmentation reduces dependence on resilient materials that can degrade from wear or debris, as each position provides a distinct mechanical engagement that is less susceptible to impairment from environmental factors.
4Reliability
If multiple keepers and sequential actuation are used, then the reliability is improved by reducing unintentional unlocking, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system employs multiple discrete latch positions corresponding to different engagement states with the keepers. This segmentation provides enhanced security through sequential actuation requirements while maintaining relatively simple construction by using the same basic latch and actuator components positioned at different locations along the actuator's path of motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A closure system for a line-engaging device is herein disclosed. The closure system comprises a latch for securing the line-engaging device in a closed position by engaging with one or more of a plurality of keepers in the device body. The configuration of the latch and the keepers is such that transition from a closed position of the closure system to an open position of the closure system may only occur following two or more actuations of the latch, this may reduce the probability of unintentional disengagement of a line or cable from the device.