Lever-Actuated Window Latch Assembly for Secure Pin Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window latches for vehicle operator cabs are difficult to align correctly and cumbersome to disengage, leading to potential misalignment and time-consuming repositioning, and lack a reliable mechanism to prevent accidental disengagement.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly with rotatable locking plates and a release lever that securely engages with a locking pin, providing improved alignment and a backup latch to prevent accidental disengagement, allowing single-action release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing latch mechanisms are used to secure the window, then the window can be attached to the static feature, but the components are difficult to align correctly leading to false positive engagement
Solution Approach 1:
A lever actuated latch assembly serves as an intermediary mechanism between the window and the static feature. The latch assembly includes a latch body with a receptacle that receives a latch pin, providing a guided engagement path that ensures proper alignment. The lever actuator mediates the engagement and disengagement actions, preventing false positive engagement by ensuring the latch pin is properly received in the receptacle before secure attachment occurs.
2Reliability
If existing latch mechanisms are used to secure the window, then the window can be attached, but the latches are cumbersome to disengage requiring manipulation of multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The lever actuator is combined with the latch body and latch pin to create an integrated mechanism. The lever is rotatably coupled to the latch body and directly actuates the latch pin through a cam surface or lever arm, merging the actuation function with the latching function. This allows the user to disengage the window by manipulating a single lever component rather than multiple separate components, while maintaining secure attachment when engaged.
3Ease of operation
If existing latch mechanisms are used, then the window can be secured, but there is no backup mechanism to prevent accidental disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism employs dynamic states with a biased engaged position and an unlocked position. A spring or biasing element maintains the latch pin in the engaged position within the receptacle, creating a stable locked state. The lever actuator must overcome this bias to disengage the latch, providing inherent protection against accidental disengagement while allowing intentional release. The system transitions between stable states rather than requiring continuous force to maintain engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are latch assemblies configured to releasably attach to a locking pin. The latch assemblies disclosed herein may, for example, be used to secure an adjustable window either in a deployed position or an undeployed position. Generally, the latch assemblies disclosed herein include a primary locking plate configured to secure the locking pin in the latch assembly. The latch assemblies disclosed herein also include a secondary locking plate configured to guide the locking pin into the primary locking plate. The latch assemblies disclosed herein also include a release lever allowing a user to simultaneously disengage both the primary and the secondary locking pin to detach the latch assembly from the locking pin.