Conceptual Design for Prototype

Design Description - Simple Cam-Latching System
 

The design is composed of three self-locking cams, two are mounted on the end of a pivot arm, and one is mounted on a sleeve that slides onto the handle, and mates with hubs that are attached to the funnel.  These hubs are joined to a steel plate, which is mounted to the funnel in order to relieve stress at the weld points.  A handle mounted in the center of the pivot arm provides the rotational force necessary to lock and unlock the cams on the end of the pivot arm to the hubs in a one hand motion.
There are four supports on which the pivot arm rotates, which are mounted on the top of the lid.  The third cam is incorporated on the handle to provide a tighter seal.  At the front, a cam is welded to a sleeve, and slid over the handle.  The operator will grab the sleeve to turn the pivot arm and the sleeve will be able to rotate around the handle, thus providing the third locking mechanism.  Washers are welded to the handle so the sleeve cannot be pulled off the handle.  See the two AutoCAD drawings below.
 
 


 

Figure 1: AutoCAD Drawing as seen from the top view
 
 


 

Figure 2: AutoCAD drawings of the side view in both the locked (left) and un-locked (right) positions
 

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