Torsion-Spring Latch Assembly for Tolerance-Stacked Blind Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latching systems for removable elements in electronic devices face challenges with insertion force, preload, mating alignment, and tolerance-stack compliance, particularly in configurations with blind-mating connectors, leading to loose connections and increased wear due to vibrations, and requiring costly and space-consuming spring mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly incorporating an effort arm, resistance arm, and torsion spring provides tolerance variation, preload force, and plug force, allowing for a field-replaceable unit-centric design that overcomes peak resistance and maintains secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional latching systems are used for removable elements, then the connection can be maintained, but the system suffers from loose connections and increased wear due to vibrations because it cannot provide adequate preload force across tolerance variations
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly applies preload force in advance to the removable element before operational forces are applied. The spring mechanism is pre-loaded during assembly to continuously press the removable element against the housing, ensuring tight connections are maintained throughout operation and compensating for tolerance variations and vibration-induced loosening.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the force parameter by introducing a spring mechanism that dynamically adjusts the preload force. The spring constant and pre-load setting are selected to compensate for tolerance stacks in the assembly, ensuring consistent contact pressure across varying manufacturing tolerances and operational conditions.
2Reliability
If spring mechanisms are added to provide preload force, then connection reliability improves, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly merges the latching function and preload application into a single integrated mechanism. The same lever arm that performs the latching action also activates the spring to apply preload force, eliminating the need for separate preload mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly performs multiple functions: it provides the latching action to secure the removable element, applies preload force to maintain tight connections, and compensates for tolerance variations. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed compared to traditional systems.
3Reliability
If adequate preload force is applied to overcome peak resistance, then mating alignment and connection security improve, but the insertion force required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded during assembly to apply preload force before the removable element is fully inserted. This preliminary action begins establishing proper mating alignment early in the insertion process, reducing the peak resistance encountered during final seating and improving overall alignment accuracy.
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 ensures secure and reliable connections by applying preload force across the full tolerance range, reducing the risk of loose connections and wear, while offering a cost-effective and space-efficient solution.
Implementation Method 1
The torsion spring is configured to provide a rotational force around the fulcrum, and on the resistance arm, resulting from a tensioning of the torsion spring between a first end of the torsion spring fixed to the effort arm, and a second end of the torsion spring fixed to a predetermined preload hole disposed on the latch housing
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are disclosed for a latch assembly apparatus. The latch assembly apparatus includes an effort arm, latch housing, a fulcrum, and a torsion spring. The latch housing includes a resistance arm having a claw portion, and an ejection arm. The torsion spring is configured to provide a rotational force around the fulcrum, and on the resistance arm, resulting from a tensioning of the torsion spring between a first end of the torsion spring fixed to the effort arm, and a second end of the torsion spring fixed to a predetermined preload hole disposed on the latch housing. Further, when the latch assembly apparatus is mounted to a removable element, and the removable element is placed in a connection with a drawer element by the latch assembly apparatus, the resistance arm applies a preload to the connection.