Gate Latch with Nested Spring and Integrated Collar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gate latches lack durability due to exposed biasing mechanisms, which are prone to accidental damage, and do not provide a mechanical advantage in joining the plates, leading to reduced lifespan and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A gate latch design featuring a collar extending from the bottom plate into a hole in the top plate, with a bolt threadingly engaging the collar, and a biasing mechanism secured within a slot to prevent damage, providing a mechanical advantage and enhancing durability without significant cost increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the biasing mechanism is exposed between the plates, then the structure is simpler and cost is reduced, but the biasing mechanism is prone to accidental damage reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism (spring) is nested within a recess formed in the bottom plate, which protects it from external damage while maintaining a compact structure. The recess acts as a protective housing that integrates the spring into the overall plate structure rather than leaving it exposed.
Solution Approach 2:
A protective cover or recess structure is introduced that encloses the biasing mechanism, similar to how a shell protects internal components. This creates a protective barrier that prevents accidental damage to the spring while maintaining the functional simplicity of the latch.
2Strength
If a collar and threaded insert are added to join the plates, then the mechanical strength and durability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collar and threaded insert are combined into a single integrated component that performs both the pivot function and the fastening function. This merging of functions reduces the total number of parts compared to using separate collar and threaded insert components, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining the mechanical advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a pivot point for the top plate, provides a threaded engagement surface for the bolt, and structurally joins the bottom and top plates. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving strong mechanical joining.
3Device complexity
If the bolt serves both as a joiner and pivot point, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and precision of the pivot point may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The collar integrates the pivot point and fastening function into a single component. The cylindrical shape of the collar provides a precise pivot surface while the threaded portion allows secure bolting, maintaining both reliability and simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is designed with different local properties: a smooth cylindrical surface for precise pivoting and a threaded portion for secure fastening. This local differentiation of properties allows the single component to reliably perform both functions simultaneously.
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 design significantly improves the durability and lifespan of the gate latch by protecting the biasing mechanism and enhancing the mechanical joining of plates, while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
A spring 320 applies a bias force between the top plate 302 and the bottom plate 301, such that the top plate is biased in the closed position
Implementation Method 2
A gate latch may comprise a pivot point between a top plate and a bottom plate formed by a collar extending from the bottom plate into a hole formed in the top plate
Implementation Method 3
A bolt threadingly engages the collar, securing the top plate onto the collar and the bottom plate
Data Source
AI summary
A gate latch comprises a pivot point formed by a bolt and a collar, the collar extending from a bottom plate and into the hole of a top plate. The bolt extends into the collar and retains the top plate on the collar and the bottom plate. For example, the gate latch includes a biasing mechanism, such as a spring, secured within a slot of the bottom plate and protected from accidental damage that could occur if the spring were more exposed. The latch may be reversible using a plate that can be flipped in either right or left opening.