Fox-Proof Hen House Latch With Flexible Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hen house latches are not sufficiently fox-proof, as they can be accessed by predators using their paws or jaws, and lack a mechanism to prevent simultaneous pressure application required for opening.
Innovation Solution
A fox-proof latch design featuring independently flexible arms that must be actuated simultaneously, utilizing a flat spring for easy opening with light finger pressure, and wedge-shaped tabs to prevent accidental opening, made from polymeric or non-brittle metal materials with ergonomic features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional latching means are used to secure removable parts, then the latching provides basic security, but predators such as foxes can still access the animal house using their paws or jaws
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is divided into multiple independent flexible arms (at least two arms) that can be actuated separately. Each arm has a wall that prevents predators from fitting their jaws around it, and requires simultaneous actuation of multiple arms for opening, creating a multi-layered security mechanism that maintains reliability while allowing human access.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch design incorporates asymmetric features including a rest condition where arms are positioned to engage with the anchor, and an actuated condition requiring specific directional pressure. The walls of the arms are positioned asymmetrically to prevent predator jaw insertion while allowing human finger access from specific angles.
2Ease of operation
If simple latching mechanisms are used, then ease of operation is improved, but the latching can be easily manipulated by predators using their paws
Solution Approach 1:
The latch employs flexible arms that can dynamically transition between a rest condition (engaged) and an actuated condition (disengaged). The arms are designed to be flexible enough to allow human finger actuation but rigid enough with their walls to prevent predator paw manipulation, creating a dynamic security mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the arms are optimized to allow actuation by light human finger pressure while preventing manipulation by predator paws. The walls of the arms create geometric constraints that change the effective parameters of force application, allowing human operation while blocking animal manipulation.
3Reliability
If multiple arms are used to prevent predator access, then security is improved, but the complexity of the latching mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flexible arms are merged into a single integrated latch body, eliminating the need for separate components for each arm. This unified structure maintains the security benefits of multiple arms while reducing overall device complexity and simplifying manufacturing compared to using multiple independent latching components.
Solution Approach 2:
Each flexible arm serves multiple functions: it provides a physical barrier with its wall to prevent jaw insertion, acts as a flexible actuator that can be pressed by human fingers, and engages with the anchor to secure the latch. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
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 latch effectively prevents foxes from opening the hen house while allowing easy human access, ensuring the security of the poultry and eggs by requiring simultaneous pressure on both arms, enhancing reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a flat spring for easy opening with light finger pressure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
One aspect of the invention provides a latch 1 for an animal house, the latch 1 comprising a first arm 10, a second arm 20, and a body 30. The first arm 10 and the second arm 20 are connected to each other at one end by the body 30, and the first arm 10 and the second arm 20 are each flexibly supported at the body 30. Each arm 10, 20 is independently able to flex with respect to the body. The latch 1 has a flat spring which is adapted to restore the latch 1 to a rest condition in which the arms 10, 20 are aligned with each other.