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Designer's Corner
By John Lewis, Regional Editor -- Design News, March 26, 2001
No-snag panel latch
Alatch and actuator, connected by an adjustable screw link plus torsion spring, form the basis of this flush-fitting panel latch. Secured in a U-shaped housing with out-turned flanges, the four-part assembly responds to finger pressure when applied to either end of the actuator plate. Both latch and actuator pivot about their respective axes to move from an open to a closed position and back.
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Flush latch provides an uninterrupted flat surface that will not snag clothing and cannot be pried open. Over-center actuation and a torsion spring place latch and actuator into either of two positions. |
Weighing only 0.5 lb in stainless steel, or half that in plastic, model 69-571 flush latch measures 4.72-inches long×2.20-inches wide×1.77-inches deep.
Protex Fasteners Ltd. ,Arrow Rd., Redditch, Worcestershire, UK B98 8PA; Tel: +44 1527 63231; Fax: +44 1527 66770;
sales@protex-fasteners.com .
Outside compression latch
Switchgear cabinet manufacturers are increasingly demanding latching systems that permit the fullest possible use of space within the sealed area. Dirak has responded to this need by re-engineering the classical cam. In conventional designs, the pawl grasps behind the frame to pull the door closed. The new cam, by contrast, features two small tabs that engage behind a mating keeper when the pawl is turned. This keeper attaches to the frame; the compression pawl itself mounts in a standard installation opening and is secured by spring action.
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With shims, the pawl can be employed for edge folds deeper than 0.8 inch, in steps of 0.2 inch each. |
The first 90-degree turn of the actuator brings the door into contact with the frame, aligns it in the vertical direction, and secures it. A second 90-degree phase pulls the door 4.5 mm toward the frame, compressing the seal. In the ultimate position, the pawl locks in place and is resistant to loosening caused by vibration.
This double function is especially beneficial when pressure compensation is required before the housing is opened, as with air handling and air conditioning systems. Locking status can be ascertained visually, indicated by actuator position.
Dirak GmbH & Co. ,Konstruktionselemente, Konigsfelder Strabe 1, Ennepetal, Germany D-58256; Tel: +49 2333 837 170; Fax: +49 2333 837 176; info@dirak.de .
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