Rotary Latching Accessory for Tool-Free Vehicle Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rotary latches are difficult to operate by hand, requiring tools and not providing optimal latching conditions under external forces.

Innovation Solution

A latching device with a housing and three rotary components: a rotary jaw, a rotary pawl, and a rotary actuator, designed to latch to a support member without tools, providing enhanced security and reduced vibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional rotary latches are used, then the latching mechanism can hold the door closed, but the latch is difficult to operate by hand and may require tools

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEase of operationVSAvoidDevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism employs dynamic elements including a spring-loaded arm that automatically engages and disengages from the strike plate. The spring provides automatic resetting action after latching, and the movable arm allows for tool-free operation by simply pushing or pulling the latch body, transforming a static complex mechanism into a dynamic easy-to-operate system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If conventional rotary latches are used, then the latching mechanism can connect to support members, but connection and disconnection is time consuming and may require tools

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveConnection and disconnection speedVSAvoidTime to connect and disconnect
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is pre-loaded with a spring that automatically positions the latching arm in the engaged position. When the latch body is pushed against the strike plate, the spring automatically drives the arm into the locked position, eliminating the need for manual manipulation or tools. For disconnection, simply pulling the latch body releases the arm, which then automatically resets under spring force, enabling rapid tool-free connection and disconnection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If conventional rotary latches are used, then the latch can secure the door, but optimal latching condition is not provided when significant external forces are applied

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLatching reliability under external forcesVSAvoidLatching strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded arm acts as a counterbalancing element that applies continuous force against the strike plate. When external forces are applied to the door, the spring automatically increases its loading on the latching arm, maintaining optimal contact pressure and preventing disengagement. This dynamic counterforce ensures reliable latching under varying external loads without requiring overtightening or complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Data Source

PatentUS12291906B2Latching device and accessory for vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.05.06 SOUCY INTERNATIONAL INC
  • US12291906B2 patent drawing
  • US12291906B2 patent drawing
  • US12291906B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A latching device for releasably latching to a support member is disclosed. The latching device has a housing with a first lateral wall, a second lateral wall, and a transverse wall extending between the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall. The first lateral wall and the second lateral wall define respective recesses with a first recess portion and a second recess portion. The first recess portion has a first width, and the second recess portion has a second width. The first width is larger than the second width. The first recess portion is configured for guiding the latching device when positioning the latching device relative to the support member. The second recess portion is shaped for receiving the support member when the latching device is latched to the support member. The latching device also has a rotary latching mechanism with a jaw, a pawl, and an actuator.