Spring-Biased Latch Mechanism for Tool-Free Cleaning Device Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latching mechanisms for cleaning devices are often complex, prone to misalignment, and wear out over time due to repeated use, making them unreliable for securing detachable parts.
Innovation Solution
A user-operable latch mechanism with a frame supporting a latch member and an actuating assembly, where the latch member is biased to an extended position and can be retracted by contact members biased by springs, allowing for secure engagement and easy disengagement without tools, ensuring robustness and simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex latching mechanism is used to secure detachable parts, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and the mechanism becomes prone to misalignment and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is divided into two independent contact members (first contact member and second contact member) that can be biased by separate springs. This segmentation allows each contact member to independently engage with the latch member, distributing the locking load and reducing misalignment issues while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement surfaces of the latch member are disposed at specific angles relative to the axis of movement. This angular parameter change allows the contact members to smoothly transition from their initial positions to actuating positions, reducing frictional wear while maintaining reliable engagement.
2Ease of operation
If a latching mechanism with multiple moving parts is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the wear and misalignment risk increase over time
Solution Approach 1:
The contact members are positioned asymmetrically on opposing sides of the axis, with engagement surfaces at specific angles. This asymmetric design allows smooth unidirectional movement during actuation while minimizing lateral forces that could cause wear or misalignment during repeated operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Spring biasing mechanisms are provided for both contact members, which cushion the engagement forces before contact is made. This pre-biasing reduces impact forces and frictional wear during operation, extending the durability of the mechanism while maintaining ease of user operation.
3Device complexity
If the contact members are positioned close to the axis for compact design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the actuating force and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The contact members are positioned in a dimension transverse to the axis of the latch member, rather than directly on the axis. This dimensional arrangement provides mechanical advantage through the angled engagement surfaces, reducing the actuating force required while maintaining a compact overall design.
4Manufacturing precision
If the engagement surfaces are perpendicular to the axis for simple geometry, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the actuating force required increases and wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement surfaces are disposed at angles rather than perpendicular to the axis, creating a dynamic engagement that converts the actuating force into both linear movement and rotational moment. This dynamic geometry reduces the force required for actuation while the spring biasing maintains reliable engagement, balancing manufacturing simplicity with operational ease.
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 mechanism effectively secures detachable units to the cleaning device, minimizing wear and ensuring reliable operation over time, while being easy to use and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
the latch member being biased by a first spring towards its extended position
Implementation Method 2
each being biased by a pair of second springs to their initial positions
Data Source
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AI summary
We provide a latch mechanism for a cleaning device, the latch mechanism being provided on a portion of the cleaning device for releasable engagement with a keep, the latch mechanism comprising: a frame supporting a latch member and an actuating assembly, and providing an end wall; the latch member being moveable linearly along an axis X between an extended position and a retracted position, the latch member being biased by a first spring towards its extended position; and the actuating assembly providing a contact member moveable between an initial position and an actuating position, and being biased by a second spring to its initial position; wherein the latch mechanism is configured such that a head of the latch member extends beyond the end wall of the frame when the latch member is in its extended position, and wherein a contact portion of the contact member abuts an engagement surface of the latch member, the engagement surface being disposed at an angle offset from the axis X such that movement of the contact member against the engagement surface in a direction transverse to the axis X causes movement of the latch member towards its retracted position so as to retract the head of the latch member to a position level with or recessed from the end wall of the frame.