Gate Latch Bolt Assembly for Field Handing Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional latch hardware for hinged barriers requires consideration of handing, leading to confusion and frustration, as it is typically available in left- or right-handed configurations, necessitating a decision at the time of acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A field-handable gate latch with a bolt assembly that can be configured as either left- or right-handed without disassembly, featuring a bolt locking assembly with a spring bias and a locking cylinder mechanism accessible from both sides, allowing for easy conversion between locked and unlocked positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional latch hardware is provided in left- or right-handed configurations, then the latch can be properly configured for specific barrier handings, but the user must make a decision at the time of acquisition leading to confusion and frustration
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism incorporates a movable bolt assembly that can be repositioned between left-handed and right-handed configurations through a conversion tool, transforming a static configuration into a dynamic, adjustable one. This allows the same latch hardware to adapt to different barrier handings without requiring the user to pre-determine the correct configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the bolt assembly position and orientation through the conversion tool mechanism. By changing the physical parameters of the bolt assembly (position, orientation) rather than selecting different hardware variants, the latch can be converted between configurations, eliminating the need for users to make irreversible decisions at acquisition time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If latch hardware requires disassembly for configuration conversion, then the latch can be adapted to different handings, but the conversion process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion tool extracts and removes specific components (cap screws, retaining clips) temporarily to allow bolt assembly repositioning, then reinstates them in new positions. This selective extraction and reinstallation process enables configuration conversion without complete disassembly, maintaining simplicity while achieving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion tool acts as an intermediary device that facilitates the configuration change process. It provides the mechanical means to remove and reposition the bolt assembly, serving as a mediator between the user's intent to convert and the physical latch mechanism, thereby simplifying the overall conversion process.
3Ease of operation
If the locking cylinder mechanism is only accessible from one side, then the latch can be operated in a specific configuration, but the latch cannot be easily converted or operated from either side
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism incorporates universal features including a control accessible from either side of the housing and a locking cylinder mechanism that can be operated from both sides. This multi-functionality allows the same latch to serve different handing configurations and enables operation regardless of which side the user is positioned on, enhancing both accessibility and adaptability.
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 easy handling and installation of the latch in either configuration without disassembly, simplifying the process and reducing user frustration by allowing the latch to be operated from either side, either with a key or manually.
Implementation Method 1
The bolt locking assembly is linearly movable relative to the housing between the engaged and disengaged positions and biased toward the engaged position by at least one bolt locking assembly spring
Implementation Method 2
The latch includes a bolt spring in contact with the bolt, and the bolt spring biases the bolt toward at least one of the first position and the second position
Implementation Method 3
The bolt movement assembly includes a cam connected to the locking cylinder mechanism. The cam interfaces with an inner surface of the bolt locking assembly and is configured to rotate with the locking cylinder mechanism. When the cam engages with the inner surface of the bolt locking assembly, the cam moves the bolt locking assembly to the disengaged position
Data Source
AI summary
A latch includes a housing that has a first side and a second side. The latch includes a bolt locking assembly that is positioned at least partially within the housing. The bolt locking assembly includes a bolt movable between first and second positions relative to at least one of the first and second sides of the housing. The bolt is positionable to selectively extend from either the first side or the second of the housing. The latch includes a first handing configuration and a second handing configuration, where the first handing configuration corresponds to the first position and the second handing configuration corresponds to the second position. Changing between the first handing configuration and the second handing configuration requires moving the bolt locking assembly to a disengaged position and applying the external force to the bolt to move the bolt between the first and second positions.