Dual Action Gravity Latch With Independent Side Locks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gate latch technologies do not provide a dual action gravity latch device that allows for secure closure and easy opening from either side of a gate without requiring holes or modifications to the gate, while also ensuring secure locking and unlocking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A dual action gravity latch device featuring a pivotal latch member, a striker pin, and two actuators that move between locked and unlocked positions, along with a latch blocking assembly to selectively block and unblock the latch member, allowing the gate to be opened from either side without needing holes in the gate, utilizing a lock assembly with three-position cylinders and a cam system for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional latch mechanism is used, then the gate can be secured, but it requires holes or modifications to the gate for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate mounting plate as an intermediary component that attaches to the gate and provides the latch mechanism interface. This mounting plate serves as a mediator between the gate and the latch, eliminating the need to modify the gate itself while still enabling secure attachment. The mounting plate can be installed using surface-mounted fasteners or adhesives instead of requiring holes through the gate.
2Ease of operation
If a dual action latch is implemented to allow opening from either side, then accessibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into functionally independent segments: a gravity-based latch member that automatically latches, and separate actuator mechanisms on each side that can independently trigger unlatching. This segmentation allows each side to have its own simple actuation method while sharing the common gravity latch structure, reducing overall complexity compared to a fully mechanical dual-sided actuation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch utilizes gravity as a self-service mechanism to automatically engage and hold the latched position without requiring active control. The gravity-based latch member naturally swings into the latched position when the gate is closed, eliminating the need for complex spring mechanisms or powered actuators to maintain the closed position, thereby simplifying the overall system while enabling dual-sided operation.
3Ease of operation
If a gravity latch is used for automatic closure, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability in preventing unauthorized access may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The gravity latch is designed to automatically engage and secure the gate before any unauthorized access can occur. The latch member swings into the latched position as the gate closes, creating a preliminary secure state that prevents the gate from being opened without first overcoming the latch mechanism. This preliminary action of automatic engagement enhances security while maintaining ease of operation for authorized users.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism incorporates dynamic elements that respond to force applications: the gravity latch member can be held in place by actuators that engage disengage based on applied force direction. When force is applied to the actuators, they dynamically adjust to either reinforce the latched position or facilitate controlled unlatching. This dynamic response allows the system to maintain high security against unauthorized access while remaining easy to operate for authorized users who apply the correct actuation force.
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
Enables secure closure and easy opening of gates from either side, providing a robust locking mechanism that prevents unauthorized access while maintaining ease of use and no need for gate modifications.
Implementation Method 1
a pivotal latch member movable between a latched and unlatched position
Data Source
AI summary
A double lock, dual action gravity latch device to secure a gate in a closed position comprising a latch assembly including a pivotal latch member movable between a latched and unlatched position, a keeper assembly including a striker pin to maintain the gate in the closed position when the pivotal latch member in the latched position, a latch lock assembly including a lock assembly with a first lock and a second lock each independently movable between a locked position and an unlocked position disposed on opposite sides of the gate to selectively move a latch blocking assembly from a latch blocking position to a latch unblocking position when either the first lock or second lock is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position and move the latch blocking assembly from the latch unblocking position to the latch blocking position when the unlocked lock is moved from the unlocked position to the locked position.