Slot Hinge Latch Assembly for Single-Actuator Robot Lid Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical hinge and latch systems for containers or robots lack efficient automated actuation for secure closure and opening, often risking finger pinching and requiring multiple actuators for operation.
Innovation Solution
A single actuator-powered lid and latch mechanism with a safety feature, utilizing a spring-biased plunger and catch mechanism, and a slot hinge assembly that includes a pivot body and slider to automate the opening and closing process while preventing unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional mechanical hinge and latch system is used, then the lid can be closed and secured, but multiple actuators are required to operate multiple latches, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple latch actuation functions into a single actuator that operates through a slot hinge assembly. The slot hinge incorporates a cam mechanism that sequentially engages with multiple latches, allowing one actuator to control multiple latches simultaneously or sequentially, thereby reducing the total number of actuators required in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot hinge assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a hinge for lid movement, incorporates a cam mechanism for actuation, and simultaneously controls multiple latches. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate actuators for each latch, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full operational capability.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional hinge mechanism is used, then the lid can open and close, but there is risk of finger pinching during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a spring-loaded plunger mechanism that maintains a safety gap between the lid and the container body during closing operation. The spring plunger engages with a catch feature on the hinge, preventing the lid from closing completely and pinching fingers, while still allowing secure latching through the cam mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot hinge assembly acts as an intermediary between the lid and the latching mechanism. It includes a cam feature that sequentially engages with multiple latches, allowing the lid to be secured without direct contact between the lid edges and the container body, thereby eliminating pinching hazards while maintaining secure closure.
3Reliability
If automated actuation is implemented, then secure closure and opening can be achieved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hinge function with the actuation mechanism by incorporating a cam feature directly into the slot hinge assembly. This integrated design allows automated actuation through a single actuator that sequentially engages multiple latches, achieving secure closure without requiring separate complex actuation systems for each latch.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded plunger mechanism automatically maintains the safety gap and engages with the catch feature on the hinge during operation. This self-regulating mechanism provides automated safety functionality without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, reducing overall mechanism complexity while ensuring reliable operation.
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 solution enables secure, automated lid operation with reduced risk of finger pinching and the use of a single actuator for multiple latches, ensuring secure closure and easy opening with enhanced safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A hinge mechanism for opening and closing a lid of a container or sidewalk robot, comprises: a lid having an open position and a closed position; a slot hinge assembly including a pivot body; a spring piston that is connected to the lid and to the pivot body
Implementation Method 2
The catch mechanism includes: (i) a catch arm configured to engage the catch fixture of the housing to releasably retain the plunger in a retracted position relative to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A latch mechanism for a sidewalk delivery robot or container includes a plunger that extends to engage a latch body on a lid to lock the lid closed, a cable for pulling the plunger out of engagement with the lid to free the lid for opening, and a temporary catch mechanism for holding the plunger in the retracted position during an initial phase of the opening process. The catch, and therefore the plunger, is released when a forward-extending release arm of the catch is engaged by the latch body during the opening process to pivot the catch. A slot hinge mechanism includes a spring piston to guard against finger pinching and a slider that is attached to the piston of the latch mechanism by the cable. Actuation of the hinge mechanism retracts the piston to its retracted position.