Gate Latch Activation Assembly With Lower-Height Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing latch systems for barriers, such as gates, are typically mounted at significant heights, making them inaccessible to individuals on the ground, thereby impeding authorized access while allowing unauthorized entry.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a distinct activator and striker, where the activator is positioned at a lower height and the striker is vertically aligned to engage the latch, allowing for camming engagement to open the latch from a different height, with the striker being independently movable and biased by gravity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the latch is mounted at a significant height on the barrier, then security is improved by restricting access to individuals on the ground, but ease of operation deteriorates because authorized individuals cannot easily reach and operate the latch

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidaccessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the latch operation function into two separate components: the latch itself (mounted at high position for security) and the activator (positioned at low position for accessibility). The striker acts as a mechanical link between these segments, transmitting force from the low-positioned activator to the high-positioned latch, thereby resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a distinct activator and striker system is introduced to relocate the activation point to a lower height, then ease of operation is improved by allowing ground-level access, but device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivation accessibilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The striker serves as a mechanical intermediary component that bridges the gap between the activator at low position and the latch at high position. This intermediary element enables force transmission across the vertical distance without requiring direct connection between activator and latch, thus improving accessibility while keeping the added complexity manageable through a single mediating component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 convenient access to the latch from a lower height without modifying the existing latch, maintaining its functionality and security, while allowing authorized individuals to easily open the gate.

Implementation Method 1

the striker is biased to the retracted position by gravity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

the activator is configured to cammingly engage the striker

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCamming engagement: Cam

Data Source

PatentUS12509917B2Assembly for relocating activation point for opening latch

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 CORNETT-CHING JOHN HENRY

AI summary

A system for opening a latch on a barrier comprises an activator configured for receiving user-input, which is arranged at a different height on the barrier than the latch, and a striker configured for selectively engaging the latch responsive to the activator, so as to open the latch. The activator and striker are distinct, linearly displaceable members which are distinct from the latch and interact by camming engagement.