Double Gate Fastener With Ramp Mechanism For Automatic Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double gate fasteners require users to manually close the gates, leading to potential damage and security risks if forgotten, as they lack automatic closure mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A latching gate fastener with a pivotable body and at least one ramp or strike plate that allows the second gate to swing towards the first gate, automatically lifting the pivotable body and securing the second gate rail under it when aligned, enabling automatic closure without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual throw over gate loop fastener is used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the gates require manual closing which leads to potential damage and security risks if forgotten
Solution Approach 1:
The gate fastener system performs the closing action automatically through self-service mechanism. When the gate swings closed, the gate rail itself lifts the pivotable body via the ramp surface, causing the latching action without requiring user intervention. The system uses the gate's own motion to secure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp surface is pre-configured at an angle to facilitate automatic lifting of the pivotable body. The geometry of the ramp is designed in advance to convert the horizontal motion of the gate rail into vertical lifting motion, preparing the mechanism for automatic latching before the gate fully closes.
2Ease of operation
If the pivotable body is left in the closed position without manual resetting, then convenience is improved, but the fastener is vulnerable to lateral impacts and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp surface acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and redirects lateral impact forces. When a lateral impact occurs on the closed fastener, the ramp surface deflects the force upward and away from the vulnerable pivot point and gate rail, protecting the mechanism from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp surface converts harmful lateral impact forces into beneficial upward lifting forces. When a lateral force is applied to the closed fastener, the ramp geometry transforms this horizontal force into a vertical component that lifts the pivotable body, preventing damage while maintaining the closed position.
3Reliability
If automatic closure mechanism is implemented, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener mechanism transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic pivotable configuration. The pivotable body can rotate between open and closed positions, and the ramp surface enables dynamic conversion of horizontal gate motion into vertical lifting motion, creating automatic latching without complex actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses dimensional transformation by converting horizontal motion (gate swinging closed) into vertical motion (pivotable body lifting off the gate rail). This dimensional change is achieved through the angled ramp surface, enabling automatic latching without additional actuators or complex mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides automatic closure of double gates, preventing damage and security risks by ensuring the gates are secured even if unintentionally left open, while also protecting the fastener from lateral impacts.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ramp or strike plate that facilitates sideways latching of a second gate, such that when the two gates are out of alignment the second gate swings toward the first gate, allowing the second gate rail to contact the ramp and lift the pivotable body enough that the second gate rail passes under the ramp and into the recess of the pivotable body
Data Source
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AI summary
A latching gate fastener is provided for fastening a double gate, the gate fastener comprising a pivotable body that is fixable to a first gate; and at least one ramp for contacting a second gate, wherein the pivotable body comprises at least one recess for receiving a gate rail on the second gate. Also provided is a gate having said fastener and a method of securing a double gate using the fastener.