Slotted Base Anchoring Latch for Tool-Free Secure Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment systems lack versatility in securely engaging with slotted bases at multiple positions and efficient transition between engaged and disengaged states without requiring tools.
Innovation Solution
An anchoring device with a latch assembly that shifts along a latch axis, featuring a lock collar, spring biasing, and a rotation control system, allowing engagement and disengagement with a slotted base at various positions, facilitated by a latch alignment base and a handle for tool-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional attachment system uses a simple latch mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of secure engagement with slotted base is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is designed to dynamically shift between axial positions (first and second positions) along the latch axis. This dynamic movement allows the latch to transition between engaged and disengaged states with the slotted base, providing reliable secure engagement when needed while maintaining operational flexibility. The spring mechanism enables this dynamic positioning, ensuring the latch can reliably engage at multiple positions along the slot.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is segmented into distinct functional components: the latch assembly, lock collar, spring mechanism, and rotation control system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, contributing to reliable engagement without requiring the entire system to be overly complex. The latch assembly specifically is segmented to include elements that can shift axially and rotate independently.
2Ease of operation
If the latch assembly can rotate freely at all positions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of controlled engagement is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation control system dynamically adjusts the rotational freedom of the latch assembly based on its axial position. When the latch assembly is in the first axial position, rotation is prevented by the lock collar. When shifted to the second axial position, rotation is permitted, allowing engagement or disengagement. This dynamic control enables tool-free operation while maintaining reliable controlled engagement at specific positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock collar acts as an intermediary between the latch assembly and the rotation control system. It mediates the rotational movement by blocking rotation when the latch assembly is in the first axial position and permitting rotation when in the second axial position. This intermediary mechanism ensures controlled engagement while maintaining ease of operation through simple axial shifting.
3Ease of operation
If the lock collar extends further from the outer housing, then the ease of operation for direct contact with slotted base is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock collar is designed to dynamically extend or retract relative to the outer housing based on the axial position of the latch assembly. When the latch assembly shifts to the first axial position, the lock collar extends further from the outer housing, enabling direct contact with the slotted base for easy operation. When the latch assembly moves to the second axial position, the lock collar retracts, reducing the overall extension. This dynamic configuration provides ease of operation when needed without permanently increasing device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple engagement positions are provided along the slot, then the versatility of the attachment system is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly includes a latch alignment base with a specific profile that segments the engagement interaction into distinct positional zones along the slot. The slotted base is designed with corresponding profiled areas that match this latch alignment base profile. This segmentation into matching profiles simplifies the manufacturing requirements compared to requiring precise positioning for multiple discrete engagement points, as the profiled surfaces guide alignment automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The profiled latch alignment base and corresponding slot areas create a self-aligning mechanism. When the latch assembly is inserted into the slot, the matching profiles automatically guide the latch alignment base into proper alignment with the slot, enabling engagement at multiple positions without requiring high manufacturing precision. The geometry itself performs the alignment function, making the system self-servicing in terms of positioning.
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 secure, tool-free attachment of items to slotted bases at multiple positions, ensuring stable engagement and disengagement, enhancing versatility and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a spring of the anchoring device, the spring sandwiched along the latch axis between the outer housing and the lock collar, the spring biasing the lock collar away from the outer housing along the latch axis
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment system includes a lock of an anchoring device and a latch assembly of the anchoring device. The latch assembly is configured to shift relative to the lock along a latch axis from a first axial position to second axial position as the lock is blocked from shifting by a slotted base. When the latch assembly is in the first axial position, the latch assembly is blocked from rotating from a disengaged position with the slotted base to an engaged position with the slotted base. When the latch assembly is in the second axial position, the latch assembly is rotatable between the engaged position with the slotted base and the disengaged position with the slotted base.