Magnetic Gate Latch with Safety Catch for Child-Proof Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gate latch devices for securing fences, particularly around pool areas, often fail to prevent unauthorized access by children due to misalignment or disengagement of latch components under sufficient force, such as from a child attempting to swing on the gate.
Innovation Solution
A gate latch device comprising a latch assembly with an upper latch pin actuator and a keeper assembly, featuring a magnetically attracted lower latch pin that is biased to an unlocked position, a keeper safety catch to prevent dislodgment, and a lock assembly to secure the gate in a closed position, ensuring the gate remains locked even under forceful attempts to open it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple magnetic latch mechanism is used, then the device is easy to operate and automatically latches, but the latch may disengage under forceful attempts by children
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a magnetic keeper assembly that provides automatic latching, and a separate lock assembly that prevents forced opening. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock assembly is pre-configured to engage automatically when the gate closes, providing preliminary protection before any forceful attempt to open the gate can succeed. The lock pin is positioned to block the latch pin from disengaging under force.
2Reliability
If a complex multi-stage latch mechanism is used, then the gate is more secure against forced opening, but the device becomes more complex and harder to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system is segmented into two independent assemblies: a magnetic keeper assembly for automatic latching and a separate lock assembly for security. This segmentation simplifies maintenance by allowing each assembly to be serviced independently while providing combined security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock pin acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the magnetic latch and the gate. It translates the magnetic latching action into a secure locked state, providing an additional layer of security without requiring complex interaction between multiple latch components.
3Strength
If the latch pin is highly magnetic for strong attraction, then the latch engages firmly, but the latch may still disengage if a child swings on the gate
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly engages preliminarily to prevent the latch pin from disengaging before any forceful attempt can occur. The lock pin blocks the latch pin's movement path, creating a preliminary barrier that prevents forced opening regardless of the magnetic attraction strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock pin serves as an intermediary protective element between the magnetic latch pin and the gate. It absorbs and blocks the force applied by a child swinging on the gate, preventing that force from acting on the magnetic latch mechanism.
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 device effectively maintains the gate in a locked position by using a magnet to draw the latch pin into a recess, and a lock assembly to prevent upward movement, ensuring the gate cannot be opened without manual release, thereby enhancing child safety by preventing unauthorized access.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet disposed adjacent the latch pin recess such that when the gate is closed the magnet moves the lower latch pin and upper latch pin from the normally biased upper or unlocked position to a lower or locked position drawing the latch pin into the latch pin recess
Data Source
AI summary
A gate latch device to secure a gate in a closed or latched position to a fence or other barrier to close or block a portal formed therein comprising a latch assembly including a lower latch pin and a keeper safety catch mounted to the fence or other barrier adjacent the portal and a keeper assembly including a magnet disposed adjacent a latch pin recess mounted to the gate such that when the gate is closed the magnet attracts the lower latch pin from a normally biased upper or unlatched position to a lower or latched position drawing the lower latch pin downward into the latch pin recess against the force of the bias to prevent the gate from opening and wherein the keeper safety catch selectively engages the keeper assembly to limit the outward movement of the keeper assembly relative to the latch assembly to retain the lower latch pin from becoming dislodged from the latch pin recess to maintain the gate in the latched position.