Slide Access Latch with Spring-Biased Knob for RV Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recreational vehicle screen doors with latches on the outside pose a challenge for interior access, as users must physically engage the latch through a slide mechanism, limiting ease of operation.
Innovation Solution
A combined slide access and latch engagement system featuring a knob with a grip and a latch strike, where a spring bias maintains the knob in an actuation orientation, allowing the door to be opened by depressing the knob to engage the latch without grasping it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a latch is positioned on the outside of the door for space constraints, then the door structure is simplified and space is saved, but the ease of operation from the interior is reduced as users must physically reach through the slide to grasp the latch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a knob as an intermediary element between the user and the latch. The knob is positioned on the slide and can be grasped from the interior, allowing users to operate the latch without directly reaching through the slide aperture. The knob transmits the user's input force to the latch mechanism, solving the accessibility problem while maintaining the external latch position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the latch engagement function into two separate components: the latch itself remains on the exterior for structural simplicity, while the knob on the slide provides a separate access point from the interior. This segmentation allows the latch to maintain its optimal position while the knob provides user-friendly access, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If a slide mechanism is provided to allow interior access to the latch, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the additional slide and knob components
Solution Approach 1:
The knob is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a graspable handle for interior access, serves as the actuation mechanism for the latch, and provides a interface for both opening and closing operations. By making the knob multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining improved ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the latch is accessible through the slide aperture, then interior access is enabled, but the reliability of latch engagement is reduced as users may not be able to precisely engage the latch without direct contact
Solution Approach 1:
The knob serves as a precise intermediary that translates the user's grasping action into reliable latch engagement. By providing a stable grasp point on the knob, the system ensures consistent and accurate engagement with the latch, eliminating the uncertainty associated with reaching through the aperture. The knob's positioning mechanism guarantees reliable contact with the latch strike.
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 easy opening and closing of the door from the inside without physically touching the latch, enhancing user convenience and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
The bias comprises a spring. The spring is mounted in a channel in the knob, and extends in the channel between a slide contact and a knob contact.
Data Source
AI summary
A combined slide access and latch engagement for a door. A panel is in the door proximate a latch for the door, with the panel having a slide portion that is displaceable to permit access to the latch. A knob is located on the slide and has a grip protruding from one side to allow the slide to be slid to permit access to the latch or, using a latch strike extending from the slide, engage the latch to open the door. A spring is used to maintain the knob in an actuation orientation.