Utility Enclosure Cover Latch With Visual Lock Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility cover systems often lead to misplaced or lost bolts and provide no visual indication of the lock status, causing false beliefs about the lid's locked position.
Innovation Solution
A utility enclosure assembly with a spring-biased locking bolt mechanism that is attached to the cover and engages a lock plate in the utility box, ensuring the bolt cannot be removed and providing a visual indicator for the lock status through a ¼ turn operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a removable bolt is used to attach the cover to the utility box, then the cover can be easily installed and removed, but the bolt can be misplaced or lost and there is no visual indication of lock status
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism merges the bolt, spring biasing element, and visual indication features into a single integrated assembly that attaches to the cover. This eliminates loose bolts that can be misplaced while maintaining easy operation through a single manual movement action.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased latching mechanism automatically maintains engagement with the lock plate and provides visual indication of lock status without requiring additional components or actions. The spring continuously applies force to keep the bolt engaged, and the mechanism's position itself serves as the visual indicator.
2Reliability
If a spring-biased locking bolt mechanism is attached to the cover, then the bolt cannot be removed and visual indication of lock status is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism performs multiple functions simultaneously: it secures the bolt to the cover, provides spring-biased engagement with the lock plate, and offers visual indication of lock status. This consolidation of multiple functions into a single mechanism reduces the number of separate components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses the position of the bolt itself as a visual indicator of lock status. When the bolt extends from the cover, it visually indicates the locked position; when retracted, it indicates the unlocked position. This eliminates the need for separate indicators or color-coded components.
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
Prevents bolt loss and allows technicians to visually confirm the lock status, ensuring the cover is securely locked or unlocked.
Implementation Method 1
A utility enclosure assembly includes a base having at least one lock plate and a lid having at least one attached spring biased locking bolt
Data Source
AI summary
A utility enclosure assembly includes a base having at least one receiving latching mechanism and a lid having at least one attached latching mechanism, each at least one attached latching mechanism for operatively engaging a respective one of the at least one receiving latching mechanism.