Magnetic Gate Latch with Visual Position Indicator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic latch devices for pool fences lack a clear visual indication of the latch position and require complex mechanisms for child resistance, making them less user-friendly and more prone to accidental opening.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic gate latch device with a latch assembly and keeper assembly, featuring a visual latch position indicator and a bias mechanism to secure the gate, utilizing an upper latch actuator, intermediate interconnecting assembly, and a keeper assembly with a magnet recess to provide a clear indication of the latch position and secure the gate in a locked state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a magnetic latch device is designed without a visual indication mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of user feedback on latch position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a color-changing indicator mechanism where a window or indicator panel changes color or displays a visual signal to indicate the latch position (latched vs. unlatched state). This provides clear user feedback without requiring complex electronic displays or additional mechanical components, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
2Reliability
If a simple latch mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased risk of accidental opening
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a magnetic latch assembly, a child-resistant lockable actuator, and a visual indicator system. The magnetic latch provides automatic latching, while the separate actuator mechanism with lockable features prevents accidental opening. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, improving reliability without requiring a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary lockable actuator mechanism between the magnetic latch and the gate opening. This intermediary component requires deliberate user action to release and can be locked in position to prevent accidental activation. The intermediary mechanism acts as a buffer that prevents direct manipulation of the magnetic latch, thereby preventing accidental opening while maintaining the simplicity of the magnetic latching itself.
3Reliability
If child-resistant features are added to the latch device, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to more complex operating procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanism incorporates dynamic features including a lockable position and a release mechanism that becomes accessible only under specific conditions. The system transitions between locked and unlocked states based on user interaction, providing child resistance when needed while maintaining ease of operation for authorized users. The dynamic locking feature automatically engages to prevent child access but can be reliably released by adults through the designated operating procedure.
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 ensures a clear visual indication of the latch position and provides a secure, child-resistant mechanism for pool fences, enhancing safety and user experience by simplifying the operation while maintaining the gate in a locked position.
Implementation Method 1
a latch arm normally spring biased in the retracted position but is moved by the magnetic field generated by the magnet to the latched position
Implementation Method 2
a bias disposed in surrounding relationship relative to the lower latch pin or member to normally bias the lower latch pin or member in the upper or unlocked position
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic gate latch device to secure a gate in a locked position to a fence or other barrier to close or block a portal formed therein comprising a latch assembly including a lower latch pin coupled to an upper latch pin actuator by an intermediate interconnecting element mounted to the fence or other barrier adjacent the portal wherein the lower latch pin is normally biased in upper or unlocked position and a keeper assembly including a keeper base affixed to the gate and a keeper arm extending outwardly therefrom having a latch pin recess formed therein with a latch pin positioner comprising a vertically disposed magnet disposed adjacent the latch pin recess such that when the gate is closed the vertically disposed magnet of the latch pin positioner moves the lower latch pin, intermediate interconnecting element 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 against the force of the bias and when as the upper latch pin actuator is moved upwardly the intermediate interconnecting element and the lower latch pin are moved upwardly withdrawing the lower latch pin from the latch pin recess to permit the gate to be opened as the bias maintains the lower latch pin in upper or unlocked position.