Gate Latching System with U-Shaped Receiver and Hinged Lid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for securing pairs of stock gates, such as chaining or wiring, are time-consuming, prone to falling off, allow movement and unauthorized entry, and are not secure against livestock or theft.
Innovation Solution
A pair of latching devices with u-bolts and u-shaped receivers, one oriented vertically and the other horizontally, with a hinged lid for locking, designed for both overlapping and non-overlapping gates to securely attach and lock the gates together.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chain or wire is used to secure gates together, then the gates can be connected, but the connection allows play and movement permitting livestock to push gates open
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary latching mechanism consisting of a latch body, catch, and locking device that mediates between the gates. This intermediary structure provides rigid connection while maintaining ease of operation, resolving the contradiction between connection security and operational convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate securing system is segmented into distinct functional components: latch body, catch, locking device, and release mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, providing rigid connection where needed while maintaining ease of operation through the release mechanism.
2Reliability
If chain or wire is used to hold gates together, then the gates can be secured, but the chain or wire can be easily removed with cutters permitting unauthorized entry
Solution Approach 1:
The latch body features a curved, spheroidal contour that makes it difficult to access and remove the internal locking mechanism with cutters. The curved design provides natural protection against unauthorized removal while maintaining the security function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is nested within the latch body, and the catch is nested within the latch mechanism. This nested configuration protects the critical security components from external access and cutter attacks while maintaining their functional integrity.
3Ease of operation
If chain or wire is loosened from gates, then the gates can be opened, but the chain or wire falls to ground becoming lost or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The latch body and catch are merged into an integrated latching system where the catch is permanently attached to the latch body. This merging eliminates the problem of separate components falling away, as the entire latching mechanism remains attached to the gate structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching system is designed to remain self-attached to the gate through the permanently mounted latch body and catch. The system serves itself by maintaining its own attachment without requiring separate fasteners that could fall away, eliminating the loss problem.
4Reliability
If traditional fastening methods are used, then gates can be connected, but the process is time-consuming for both securing and opening
Solution Approach 1:
The latch body and catch are pre-positioned and pre-aligned on the gates during installation. This preliminary action ensures that when the gates are brought together, the latching components are already in the correct positions for rapid engagement, eliminating time-consuming alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching system incorporates dynamic elements including a movable catch and a release mechanism that allows rapid transition between locked and unlocked states. This dynamic design enables quick operation while maintaining secure connection when locked.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a gate latching system for use in securing a pair of cooperating stock gates together. A preferred embodiment of the invention employs a pair of latching devices for securing a pair of overlapping stock gates together in a closed position. An alternate embodiment of the invention is designed with an extended arm for securing a pair of stock gates closed when the stock gates do not overlap. Both pairs of latching devices are designed so that one of the latching devices is bolted to one gate and the other latching device is bolted to the other gate. Each latching device has a u-shaped receiver for receiving a horizontal member of the opposite gate. The horizontal members enter the u-shaped receivers by lifting one of the gates as the gates are being closed and are secure therein by a lid that closes over one receiver.