Low Profile Latch for Sliding Door Pet Panel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pet doors installed on the fixed panel of sliding doors often interfere with the sliding motion due to protruding latches, which is a problem when they are equipped with a latch that obstructs the path of the sliding vent.

Innovation Solution

A low profile latch and closing panel system is designed to be installed on the fixed panel of multi-panel sliding doors, featuring a low profile frame with an open top to retain the closing panel and a latch at the upper corner, allowing the sliding door to move freely without obstruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional pet door with protruding latch is installed on the fixed panel of a sliding door, then the pet door can be securely latched, but it interferes with the sliding motion of the vent panel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch securityVSAvoidsliding door operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is repositioned from a protruding configuration that extends into the sliding path to a recessed configuration set within the plane of the fixed panel. This dimensional change allows the vent panel to slide freely without obstruction while the latch remains functional for securing the pet door.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch mechanism is nested within the frame structure of the fixed panel, specifically recessed into the interior surface. This nesting approach allows the latch to be contained within the boundaries of the fixed panel rather than protruding outward, eliminating interference with the sliding vent while maintaining latching capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the closing panel and latch are located on the inside of the fixed panel for security reasons, then security is improved, but the sliding vent path is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidlatch protrusion depth

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The key parameter changed is the protrusion depth of the latch mechanism. By reducing the protrusion depth to create a low-profile or recessed configuration, the latch remains positioned on the interior side of the fixed panel for security while no longer extending far enough to obstruct the sliding vent path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If a low profile latch is used, then sliding door operation is improved, but latch securing capability must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesliding door motionVSAvoidlatch securing strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is designed with localized engagement features that concentrate the securing force at specific points. The recessed configuration provides localized engagement surfaces and anchoring points within the fixed panel structure, ensuring that the reduced profile does not compromise the overall securing strength when latched.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9476234B2Low profile latch and closing panel for pet door

Publication Date: 2016.10.25 WESTERN WINDOW HOLDING LLC

AI summary

The present invention provides improved pet doors, systems and related methods that may be used or installed on the fixed panel of a new or existing sliding door, such as a patio door, without interfering with the sliding movement of the companion door by providing a low profile closing panel and latch.