Gate Latch Spring Return Mechanism to Prevent Key Sticking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional self-latching gates are unsafe due to varying dimensions and weights, requiring adjustable spring tension, and components like strikers can get stuck, posing safety hazards, especially for unsupervised access by children.
Innovation Solution
A gate latch with an elongated housing, striker components, and a spring mechanism featuring a disc spring and washer, allowing the key to return to its start position automatically, eliminating key sticking and ensuring smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring tension in the hinge is adjusted to accommodate varying gate dimensions and weights, then the gate can close or open safely, but the mechanism becomes more complex and requires maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring-loaded hinge system with a magnetic latching system. The magnet assembly creates a magnetic field that automatically holds the gate in the closed position without requiring mechanical spring tension adjustment. This substitution eliminates the complex spring mechanism while maintaining reliable automatic closing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from mechanical spring force to magnetic field strength. By using magnetic force instead of spring tension, the system becomes insensitive to gate dimension and weight variations, eliminating the need for parameter adjustment while maintaining reliable operation.
2Reliability
If conventional latching mechanisms are used, then the gate can be locked, but components like strikers may get stuck causing dangerous situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical striker-and-latch system with a magnetic latching system. The magnet assembly holds the gate closed through magnetic attraction without physical contact between moving parts. This eliminates stuck components entirely, as there are no mechanical surfaces that can seize or jam.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the vulnerable mechanical latching components (strikers, physical latches) from the system and replaces them with a non-contact magnetic field-based latching mechanism, removing the source of potential stuck components.
3Reliability
If a key-operated lock system is used, then secure locking is achieved, but the key may get stuck at unwanted positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the key-operated mechanical lock system with a magnetic release mechanism. A simple button or push-button release on the magnet assembly allows easy unlocking without inserting a key. This eliminates the problem of keys getting stuck while maintaining secure locking through the strong magnetic field.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic latching system provides self-latching functionality without requiring key insertion or complex mechanical operations. The magnetic field automatically engages and holds the gate closed, and can be easily released with a simple button press, making the system both secure and easy to operate.
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 gate latch provides enhanced safety and smooth operation by preventing the key from getting stuck at unwanted positions, ensuring secure and reliable locking and unlocking.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism provided with the lock cylinder that allows the key to always come back to its lock position without getting stuck in any other position
Implementation Method 2
A magnet assembly is provided that can be fixed to the gate or to the fence post
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an improved gate latch for holding a gate locked with a fence. A striker component is adapted inside an elongated housing. The striker component has a first rod and a second rod, each passing through a spiral coil. A ring-shaped structure is also provided at one end of the second rod. Further, an engagement assembly is provided that has a lock cylinder and a retainer. The lock cylinder is operated using a key to move the retainer in and out of the ring-shaped structure. The retainer is received by the ring-shaped structure when the gate latch is in a locked position. A spring mechanism provided with the lock cylinder that allows the key to always come back to its lock position without getting stuck in any other position.