Asymmetric Squeeze Trigger Latch for Better Grip and Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch assemblies for recreational vehicles face challenges such as difficulty in obtaining a positive grip, maintaining deadbolt alignment, and complex construction, which affects usability and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly with an exterior housing having an inner and outer face, a door latch, a plunger, and an external lever that pivots between latched and unlatched positions, utilizing a resilient member to maintain the latch in the closed position and allow easy shifting to the open position, with ergonomic design features for improved operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional paddle handle assembly is used, then the latch can be operated from both inside and outside, but it is difficult to obtain a positive grip especially for left-handed persons operating right-side assemblies or right-handed persons operating left-side assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The external lever is configured with asymmetric geometry where the first leg extends in a first direction and the second leg extends in a second direction that is not collinear with the first direction. This asymmetric design allows users to grip the lever from either side regardless of handedness, eliminating the grip difficulty experienced with traditional symmetric paddle handles.
2Reliability
If a deadbolt lock is added to paddle handle assemblies for added security, then security is improved, but alignment between the deadbolt and the associated strike becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the deadbolt component entirely from the latch assembly, replacing it with a simplified plunger-based latching mechanism. This extraction of the problematic deadbolt element eliminates alignment issues between deadbolt and strike while maintaining adequate security through the spring-loaded plunger design that engages with the latch plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex, expensive deadbolt alignment mechanism with a simpler, more robust plunger system that does not require precise alignment. The plunger assembly with its resilient member provides reliable latching without the need for maintaining tight tolerances between moving parts.
3Reliability
If locking from the exterior is implemented in prior art paddle handle assemblies, then security is improved, but the construction becomes complicated which is expensive to manufacture and difficult to repair
Solution Approach 1:
The external lever assembly is designed to be self-contained and self-actuating. When the lever is manipulated, it directly actuates the plunger through the linkage mechanism, which automatically engages or disengages the latch plate. This self-service design eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms, key cylinders, or complex control systems, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying repair procedures.
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
Enhances user accessibility and security by simplifying the operation, reducing manufacturing costs, and improving alignment and grip, while maintaining the latch in the closed position to prevent unintentional opening.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member is operably coupled with the plunger and urges the plunger to the latched position
Data Source
AI summary
A latch assembly comprises an exterior housing, a door latch, a plunger, a resilient member, and an external lever pivotally mounted on an outer face of the exterior housing. The external lever comprises a first leg, a second leg disposed at an angle relative to the first leg, and a pivot mount disposed between the first leg and the second leg. The plunger is maintained in the latched position when the external lever is in a latched position by the resilient member, whereby an entry door cannot be unintentionally shifted from the closed position. The plunger is displaced from the latched position to the unlatched position when the external lever is rotated from the latched position to the unlatched position by the second leg bearing against the plunger, whereby the entry door is free to be shifted from the closed position to the open position.