Modular Gate Latch Assembly with Detachable Accessories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gate latch assemblies for safety enclosures, such as pool fencing, often lack versatility and customization options, leading to higher production costs and limited user adaptability, while also not effectively preventing unauthorized access by young children.
Innovation Solution
A modular gate latch assembly with a housing that can receive various latch accessories, allowing for modifications to enhance functionality, including the use of electronic sensors and alternative actuators, which can be easily mounted and removed, providing additional safety features and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fixed gate latch assembly is used, then the structure is simple and production cost is low, but the versatility and customization options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The gate latch assembly is divided into separate modular components including a base unit with mounting plate and housing, and detachable accessory modules such as electronic sensors, alternative actuators, and decorative elements. Each module can be independently manufactured, configured, and attached to the base unit through standardized mounting interfaces, enabling versatility without requiring a completely complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit of the gate latch assembly is designed with universal mounting features and standardized interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of accessories and configurations. The housing includes standardized mounting surfaces and attachment mechanisms that work with various accessory types, allowing a single base unit to serve multiple functions through different accessory combinations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed latch configurations are produced separately, then each configuration is optimized for specific uses, but production costs increase due to multiple inventory lines
Solution Approach 1:
The product line is segmented into a common base unit and separate accessory modules. The base unit with mounting plate and housing can be mass-produced in large quantities at economies of scale, while accessory modules are produced separately and attached as needed. This eliminates the need to maintain separate inventory lines for each complete configuration while still providing full customization options.
Solution Approach 2:
Accessories can be detached and removed from the base unit when no longer needed or when the user's requirements change. The base unit remains intact and can be reused with different accessory configurations, allowing users to adapt the system to changing needs without discarding the entire assembly or incurring replacement costs.
3Reliability
If safety features are added to prevent unauthorized access by children, then safety is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic latch mechanism is designed to be inherently difficult for children to operate without requiring complex electronic systems. The magnetic hold force and mechanical geometry are engineered so that the latch automatically engages and maintains itself, with the release mechanism requiring a specific action that is difficult for small children to perform, providing passive safety through self-service operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Simple, inexpensive accessories such as decorative covers and basic sensor modules can be added to enhance safety and monitoring capabilities without requiring complex integrated systems. These accessories provide additional safety functions at low cost and can be easily replaced or upgraded as technology evolves, avoiding the need for expensive complex integrated safety systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If electronic sensors and alternative actuators are integrated into the latch mechanism, then functionality is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Electronic sensors, alternative actuators, and other functional modules are manufactured as separate detachable accessories rather than being integrated into the main latch mechanism. Each module has its own housing and mounting interface, allowing it to be manufactured independently using appropriate processes for that component type, then attached to the base unit during final assembly or by the end user.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized mounting interfaces and coupling mechanisms serve as intermediaries between the base unit and accessory modules. These intermediary connection systems provide mechanical attachment, electrical connectivity, and signal transmission without requiring complex integration processes, simplifying the manufacturing of both the base unit and accessories while enabling enhanced functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A gate latch arranged to be mounted to either a gate or gate post and adapted to co-operate with a component mounted on the other of the gate or gate post to hold the gate closed, the gate latch comprising: a latch mechanism, and a housing containing at least a portion of the latch mechanism, the housing being configured to receive at least one latch accessory to modify the gate latch.