Expandable Gate Latch Mechanism for Width Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Frictional security gates with lever-latch mechanisms require precise adjustment and fixed relationships in three dimensions to maintain engagement, making them difficult to adjust or remove while ensuring secure positioning.
Innovation Solution
An expandable gate with a latching mechanism featuring upper and lower collar portions that slidably engage lever arms, allowing for adjustment and secure locking in x, y, and z directions, using a hinged latch mechanism with a projection for easy width adjustment and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lever-latch mechanism is designed to maintain fixed relationship in all three coordinates, then the gate maintains secure frictional engagement, but the gate becomes difficult to adjust or remove
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is segmented into a stationary lever and a movable lever that can slide relative to each other along the x-axis. This segmentation allows the gate to maintain secure engagement (when levers are fixed relative to each other) while enabling easy adjustment (when the movable lever slides). The ring with notches provides discrete positioning segments for the movable lever.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism transitions from a static fixed relationship to a dynamic adjustable relationship. The movable lever can slide along the x-axis to adjust gate width, then lock into place using the ring-notch mechanism. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between maintaining secure engagement and enabling easy adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the levers are adjusted relative to each other by setting the ring into notches, then the gate width is adjustable, but the precision of positioning may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The notches are pre-positioned at specific intervals along the lever to provide predetermined adjustment positions. This preliminary arrangement of positioning features ensures precise and consistent gate width adjustments without requiring complex adjustment procedures or high-precision manual positioning.
3Force
If the latch mechanism holds levers in fixed relationship, then the compressive force is sustained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism merges the functions of force transmission and positioning into a single integrated structure. The levers directly transmit compressive forces while the ring-notch mechanism provides positioning, eliminating the need for separate complex locking devices and reducing overall mechanism complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable width gate adapted to be manipulated to secure the gate within the boundary of an opening, the gate comprising two gate members mounted for sliding movement with respect to each other and each having a lever associated therewith and a releasable locking member for locking the respective levers with respect to relative motion therebetween.