New hinges, latches and captive hardware are being developed from the innovative use of materials and the integration of new technologies. Plastics, particularly injection moulded plastics that offer vast design freedoms, replace metal parts, and multiple functions are being integrated into a single latch. The environment that the fastener is operating in, must be understood at the very beginning of a project in order to yield an optimum design solution. Another trend is overall product simplicity. Southco's new Swell Latch with Living Hinge is a good example for the redesign of existing products to meet specific requirements, in this case of automotive manufacturers. The number of separate pieces could be reduced from five to three. Another key design consideration is ergonomics. Latches will increasingly have multiple functions. Electronically interfaced mechanisms and switches will incorporate the electronics and multiple functions into a single latch. The latch will be capable of triggering interlocks and denoting an open or closed state through remote monitoring. In certain applications, access hardware will be integrated more fully into an entire assembly.
Latching onto a good idea
Design Engineering, London ; Aug ; 47-48
1998
2 Seiten, 4 Bilder
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Englisch