Gate Latch Assembly with Pin Engagement for Roof Scuttle Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gate latches are unable to withstand the required 400 pounds of force needed to meet safety regulations for roof scuttles, and they are not suitable for all types of gates, including swinging and sliding gates.
Innovation Solution
A gate latch assembly comprising a strike mounting plate and a gate latch with a pin attachment and engagement system that accommodates pins of different lengths and orientations, allowing for adjustable mounting and secure engagement with both swinging and sliding gates, and can be adapted for use with safety railings around roof scuttles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional stamped sheet metal gate latches are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the latches cannot withstand the required 400 pounds of force
Solution Approach 1:
The gate latch assembly is divided into separate components: a strike mounting plate, a gate latch body, and a pin. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for strength while maintaining manufacturability. The pin can be made from stronger material and cross-section than conventional integrated latches, while the mounting plate and latch body remain relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction by combining different materials with complementary properties. The pin is made from stronger material (such as alloy steel) with higher tensile strength, while the mounting plate and latch body can be made from standard steel. This composite approach allows the critical load-bearing pin to provide the necessary 400-pound strength while the overall assembly remains manufacturable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional gate latches are designed for specific gate types, then performance for that type is optimized, but adaptability to all gate types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The gate latch assembly is designed as a universal mechanism that can accommodate multiple gate types (swinging gates opening right or left, and sliding gates) through a single standardized interface. The pin can be configured in different orientations and the latch body can engage with pins in various positions, allowing one latch assembly design to serve multiple gate configurations without requiring different latch types.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to adapt to different gate movements. The latch body can pivot or rotate to engage pins in different orientations, and the pin can be positioned at different locations on the strike plate. This dynamic capability enables the same latch assembly to accommodate swinging and sliding gate operations without changing the basic latch design.
3Reliability
If the pin is made longer to engage the slot effectively, then latching reliability is improved, but the pin becomes more prone to bending under force
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is designed with non-uniform properties along its length: the portion that engages the slot has increased thickness or cross-sectional area to provide bending resistance, while the overall length remains sufficient to engage the latch mechanism effectively. This local quality change allows the pin to be both long enough for reliable engagement but strong enough to resist bending under the 400-pound load.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin is made from composite or alloy materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to bending. Materials such as alloy steels or stainless steels are used that have higher yield strengths and modulus of elasticity, allowing the pin to withstand bending forces while maintaining the necessary length for engagement. The material composition is optimized to provide both flexibility for engagement and rigidity for strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A gate latch assembly includes strike mounting plate and a gate latch. The strike mounting plate has a base portion and a pin attachment portion. The gate latch has a second base portion and a pin engagement portion extending from a mid-portion of the second base portion. This pin engagement portion has a first prong and a second prong separated by a slot. A latch is pivotally mounted to the first prong and effective to releasably restrain a pin within the slot. The pin is affixed to the strike mounting plate and has a length effective to engage the slot. One feature of the assembly is that it is equally suitable for gates that swing to the left and for gates that swing to the right. Further, by changing the configuration of the pin, the gate latch assembly is suitable for sliding gates.