thread404-306476 Funny story: I 1

[salukikev]

thread404-306476

Funny story: I googled "mechanical toggle mechanism" and came across this old thread describing exactly my desired mechanism. I started to reply only to realize that it was my own post from some other project! I guess I forgot to reply with a diagram, and I'm again looking for the same type of mechanism. I never really got a good reply, so here is my much belated diagram of one possible solution- probably not optimal, but at least the intended action should be clear.
Thanks for any help!
-kevin

Toggle Diagram:

http://imgur.com/SG3oITe

 

[MikeHalloran]

The obvious next step is to make one and see if it meets your needs.


Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[salukikev]

I've made them before successfully, but not had one operate quite as snappy as I'd like. Also, the layout hasn't been planar so much. The typical magnetic catch like this uses a much more wedge-like profile and 3 separate ramps to guide the follower. In my application, I have very little vertical clearance so I'm looking for a very low profile solution. I'm trying to do all my maneuvering on the same plane if possible- I guess maybe a spring-gate feature would be desirable instead of the ramp. Maybe more dramatic ramps, or a rotary feature. Not really sure. I'm sure there's a lot of ways to skin this cat, but I wish I could find more references or examples of some.

 

[IRstuff]

Again, a drawing would be worth a lot. I still can't be sure what I'm visualizing is what you describe.

TTFN
faq731-376

 

[salukikev]

IRstuff:
You did see the drawing I linked, right? Here it is again:

http://imgur.com/SG3oITe

I could provide a 3d model too if that 'storyboard' approach isn't clear.

 

[IRstuff]

OK, "Hafele" as a search term helped. I've not seen the inside of such a latch, but I assume it's also similar to a retractable pen. It seems plausible that you could confine everything into a planar structure.

TTFN
faq731-376

 

[salukikev]

wow- "Hafele"? Thanks! I'm pretty sure that is the first I've ever heard of that word. Earlier guy posted about the retractable pen mechanism, and I've actually built those before also. The magnetic hardware latch is actually planar when you open it up and the same spring that provides linear tension also applies pressure downward on the cam. (at least in the example I happened to take apart). It's not the same as a pen mechanism like you'd expect.

 

[IRstuff]

True, in that example. However, that would seem to be predicated on the type of lock. The one's listed as earthquake resistant have a secondary function to engage a physical latch, so downward motion is required. A purely magnetic latch does not have that requirement, and should be insensitive to the orientation of the cam.

TTFN
faq731-376

 

[telecomguy]

"Funny story"... this has happened to me before as well. I needed to know how to do something. I knew I had done it before but it was once in a blue moon. So I turn to Eng-Tips.com and do a search, only to find where I explained how to do it to someone else. Thanks Eng-Tips. You're the greatest. -tg