Magnetic Gate Latch with Twist-Pull Release Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swimming pool gate latches can be easily operated by small children using elongate objects, as the release mechanism is simple and within reach, posing a safety risk despite being designed to be out of reach.
Innovation Solution
A safety self-latching gate latch device with a magnet assembly and latch assembly, featuring a twist and pull mechanism that requires a sequence of operational steps to release the latch, ensuring the magnet and latch bar alignment for latching and misalignment for unlatching, with components positioned out of children's reach.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the release knob is positioned out of reach of small children, then safety is improved, but determined children can still operate it using elongate objects
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is divided into two separate components: a twist knob and a pull knob. The twist knob must first be rotated to unlock the magnet bar, and only then can the pull knob be used to release the latch. This segmentation prevents children from operating the latch with a single elongate object, as both components must be manipulated in sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The twist knob must be rotated in advance to disengage the magnet bar from the locked position before the pull knob can effectively release the latch. This preliminary action creates an additional barrier that prevents children from accidentally or easily operating the gate release.
2Reliability
If a sequence of operational steps is required to release the latch, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is divided into two separate components: a twist knob and a pull knob. The twist knob must first be rotated to unlock the magnet bar, and only then can the pull knob be used to release the latch. This segmentation prevents children from operating the latch with a single elongate object, as both components must be manipulated in sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The twist knob must be rotated in advance to disengage the magnet bar from the locked position before the pull knob can effectively release the latch. This preliminary action creates an additional barrier that prevents children from accidentally or easily operating the gate release.
3Reliability
If the magnet bar assembly is elevated upward to unlatch, then the latch bar is retracted, but the operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet bar is designed to be movable between a lowered engaged position and an raised disengaged position. When the pull knob is lifted, the magnet bar rises within the magnet housing, dynamically changing the magnetic field position to release the latch bar. This dynamic movement provides secure latching while allowing controlled release.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnet bar serves as an intermediary element between the pull knob operation and the latch bar. By moving the magnet bar upward, the magnetic attraction is reduced, allowing the latch bar to be released. This intermediary mechanism provides secure latching while allowing controlled release.
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
Enhances safety by requiring a sequence of steps to release the latch, making it difficult for small children to operate inadvertently while maintaining accessibility for adults, thus securely locking and unlocking the gate.
Implementation Method 1
the latch bar, due to attraction force of the magnet (in the downward position), arrives into latch bar engagement position at which point, the latch bar adheres to the magnet through the latch hole thereby latching the gate and the fence post
Implementation Method 2
As the magnet position is moved upwards, the increase in the distance between the magnet and the latch bar causes the attraction force therebetween to weaken resulting the latch bar being retracted to its default position thereby, ultimately resulting in the hinged door being unlatched from the fence post
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a self-latching gate latch device. The device comprises a latch and a magnet bar housing assembly wherein, the latch assembly comprises a horizontal latch bar that is horizontally movable between a forward latch bar engagement position and a backward default latch bar disengagement position and wherein, the magnet assembly comprises a magnet bar that is vertically movable between a default downward magnet bar engagement position and an upward magnet bar disengagement position. The bottom end of the magnet bar is secured with a magnet. When the magnet bar is in the default position thereof, the attraction force between the magnet and the latch bar causes the latch bar to move to the latch bar engagement position at which point, the latch bar engages the magnet assembly. A twist knob that operates a guide and track mechanism is provided wherein, twisting and lifting the twist knob causes the magnet bar to move to the magnet bar disengagement position, which, in turn, causes the latch bar to move to its default position.