Latch assembly with sliding latch and rotating catch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional latches for securing tray tables in passenger seats, particularly in economy class aircraft seating, require two-handed operation, pose a head strike danger, have protruding surfaces, and are aesthetically unpleasing.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly featuring a spring-loaded latch and catch that allows one-handed operation, auto-latching, and auto-resetting, with the latch sliding horizontally and the catch pivoting about a horizontal axis, ensuring minimal protrusion and modern aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional rotating toggle latch is used, then the tray table can be secured, but two-handed operation is required and head strike danger exists
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is segmented into two separate components: a sliding latch member and a rotating catch member. This segmentation allows the functions of securing and releasing to be separated, enabling one-handed operation where the thumb can operate the sliding latch while fingers hold the tray table, eliminating the need for two-handed operation and reducing head strike risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional rotating toggle is inverted into a sliding latch mechanism. Instead of rotating a toggle to engage/disengage, the user slides the latch member horizontally to engage or disengage from the catch member. This inversion changes the motion from rotational to linear, allowing operation with one hand while holding the tray table with the other.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional rotating toggle latch is used, then the tray table can be secured, but protruding surfaces are created
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding latch member and rotating catch member are nested within each other's operational paths. The latch member slides horizontally within a defined space, while the catch member rotates in place. When engaged, they fit together tightly with minimal protrusion from the seat back surface, creating a sleek appearance while maintaining full latch functionality.
3Ease of operation
If a traditional rotating toggle latch is used, then the tray table can be secured, but aesthetic appeal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism transitions from a vertical rotating motion (traditional toggle) to a horizontal sliding motion. This dimensional change allows the latch components to be positioned more flush with the seat back surface and integrated into the overall design aesthetic, reducing visual prominence while maintaining operational effectiveness.
4Extent of automation
If a spring-loaded latch and catch system is used, then auto-latching is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded catch member automatically engages with the sliding latch member when the latch is moved to the closed position. The spring provides the necessary force for automatic engagement without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms. The system serves itself by using the user's sliding action to trigger the spring-loaded catch to secure the tray table automatically.
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
The latch assembly provides secure, one-handed operation, reduces the risk of head strikes, and enhances the aesthetic appeal of the seat backrest while maintaining a sleek design.
Implementation Method 1
the latch subassembly further includes a tension spring for biasing the spring-loaded latch toward closed
Implementation Method 2
the catch subassembly further includes a torsion spring for biasing the spring-loaded catch toward open
Data Source
AI summary
A latch assembly for securing a passenger seat tray table including a spring-loaded sliding latch and a spring-loaded rotating catch. The spring-loaded latch interacts with the spring-loaded catch such that, when the spring-loaded latch is closed, the tab engages the spring-loaded catch to prevent the spring-loaded catch from pivoting open. The spring-loaded catch interacts with the spring-loaded latch such that, when the spring-loaded catch is open, the tab engages the spring-loaded catch to prevent the spring-loaded latch from sliding closed. The latch assembly operates by push-to-close and the latch resets automatically when the tray table is secured. The latch assembly may be a line replaceable unit, part of a tray table assembly, and part of an aircraft passenger seat assembly.