Adjustable Spindle Gate Latch Without Through Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gate latches require through holes in the gate or post, lack adjustable length, and are not easily reversible or lockable from both sides, making them inefficient and difficult to install.
Innovation Solution
A gate latch system with an external adjustable spindle that eliminates the need for through holes, allows left- or right-handed configuration, and can be locked from either side, featuring a spindle that can be cut to size and assembled without complex components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional gate latches use through holes in the gate or post, then the latch can be securely mounted, but the installation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for through holes by extracting the mounting function to the surface of the post only. The button base and latch base are mounted on opposite sides of the post surface without penetrating through the post, eliminating the need for complex drilling and through-hole installation while maintaining secure mounting.
2Ease of manufacture
If the spindle length is fixed, then manufacturing is simpler, but the latch cannot adapt to different gate thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the spindle length adjustable by providing multiple predetermined length options (e.g., 1/2 inch, 5/8 inch, 3/4 inch, 1 inch) that can be selected based on the specific gate thickness. This dynamic adaptability allows the same spindle component to serve multiple gate configurations while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized production of discrete length variants.
3Device complexity
If the latch can only be operated from one side, then the structure is simpler, but the usability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the latch to be operated from both sides of the gate. The button assembly mounted on the post allows operation from the outer side, while the latch assembly mounted on the inner side allows operation from inside. This dual-sided operation capability makes the single latch structure universal for various access scenarios without significantly increasing complexity.
4Reliability
If the spindle is mounted inside the post, then it is protected from damage, but it requires through holes and complex installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the spindle from the interior of the post and relocates it to an external position. The spindle is now mounted on the surface of the post, connecting the button base and latch base without requiring penetration through the post. This extraction simplifies installation by eliminating through-hole requirements while the spindle remains protected within the mounting structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A gate latch system including a button assembly, a latch assembly, and a keeper assembly. The gate latch assembly can be opened from the side of the gate opposite the latch through the use of a spindle extending from a button assembly on one side of the gate to a latch assembly located on the opposite side of the gate and which includes a latch retention member. The latch assembly and button assembly are configured so that the spindle extends from the button assembly to the latch assembly through the gate opening such that there is no need to make a hole through the gate and/or covering to accommodate the spindle.