Cable-Actuated Gate Locking Latch for Yard Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gate locking systems are difficult to install and operate, require remembering a sequence of procedures, and are prone to weather-related issues like corrosion and dirt build-up, making them inefficient and unreliable for long-term use.
Innovation Solution
A simple mechanical locking-latch apparatus with a latch-assembly on the yard-side and a lock-assembly on the street-side, featuring a combination lock that allows secure one-handed operation from either side without needing to know the combination, and is designed to be easy to install and maintain, with protective shrouds to prevent weather damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a combination lock is used on the gate, then security is improved, but the complexity of operation increases as users must remember and input a combination sequence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the latch lever and cable system) that mediates between the combination lock and the gate opening action. The latch lever acts as a mediator that can be manually operated from either side of the gate, while the cable connects this intermediary to the lock mechanism, allowing the gate to be opened without directly manipulating the combination lock from the street side.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is segmented into distinct functional components: a combination lock mechanism on the street side, a latch assembly on the yard side, and a cable connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the latch lever providing a simple mechanical interface that separates the complex locking mechanism from the simple opening action.
2Reliability
If the latch assembly is placed on the yard-side of the gate-post, then secure locking is achieved, but installation and operation become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cable acts as an intermediary element that connects the latch assembly on the yard side to the lock mechanism on the street side. This allows the latch to be positioned optimally on the yard side for secure locking, while the cable transmits the unlocking action from the street side without requiring direct access to the latch mechanism during installation or operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration by using the cable to connect components on opposite sides of the gate-post. This spatial arrangement allows the latch assembly to be positioned on the yard side while maintaining operational simplicity from the street side through the cable's tension and mechanical connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If previous locking devices were made electronic with batteries, then functionality was improved, but reliability deteriorated due to weather exposure, corrosion, and dirt build-up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic components (batteries, motors, sensors) with a purely mechanical system consisting of a combination lock mechanism, a latch lever, and a cable. This mechanical substitution eliminates the reliability issues associated with electronic components exposed to weather, corrosion, and dirt, while maintaining the necessary functionality for secure locking and simple operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical components are designed to be simple, durable, and easily replaceable. The combination lock mechanism and latch assembly use basic mechanical parts that are resistant to weathering and can be easily replaced if worn or damaged, avoiding the need for expensive electronic components that are more susceptible to environmental degradation.
4Reliability
If the gate and fence are made tall to prevent reach-over, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as access to the latch becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cable serves as an intermediary that extends the operational reach from the street side to the latch assembly on the yard side. This allows the gate to be tall enough to prevent reach-over while still enabling easy operation of the latch from the street side through the cable's mechanical connection, which can be pulled from a lower position on the street side.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses vertical dimensionality by positioning the latch assembly high on the yard side of the gate-post for security, while the cable connects it to a lower point on the street side. This vertical arrangement allows the gate to be tall enough to deter reach-over while maintaining operational accessibility through the cable's tension and mechanical connection from the street side.
Data Source
AI summary
For a gate in a fence, where a person on the street-side cannot access the latch on the yard-side. A lock-assembly is fixed to the gatepost on the street-side, and a latch-assembly is fixed to the yard-side. A cable passes through the gatepost, and connects the assemblies. The latch-assembly is a more-or-less traditional gate latch. The street-side lock-assembly includes a lock-base and a lock-cover, which are relatively openable/closable in a clamshell mode. A combination-lock locks the cover to the base, unlocking the lock-assembly enables a street-side person to open the cover. The opening-movement of the lock-cover is cabled to the latch-lever, unlatching the gate and enabling the gate to open.