Modular Gate Latch Assembly for Versatile Gate Configurations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gate fastening devices are not versatile, modular, or customizable to accommodate various gate configurations and user needs/preferences.

Innovation Solution

A gate fastening device comprising a latching assembly with a pivotably coupled latch and an opposing assembly, along with a spindle, handle, and cover, designed to be adaptable to both left-hinged and right-hinged gates, using interchangeable and customizable components made of different materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a gate fastening device uses a fixed, non-modular design, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device cannot accommodate various gate configurations and user needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to various gate configurationsVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gate fastening device is divided into separate modular components including a latch assembly, a hasp assembly, and interchangeable handles. Each component can be independently selected and combined to accommodate different gate configurations, allowing customization without requiring a completely different device for each application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates universal mounting brackets and interchangeable components that can adapt to various gate types and hinge configurations. The same basic latch and hasp mechanism can be used across different applications by simply changing the associated components, making the device multi-functional and widely applicable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a gate fastening device uses interchangeable and customizable components, then the device becomes versatile and adaptable, but the device complexity and number of parts increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecustomizabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into core functional components (latch, hasp) and optional customizable components (handles, mounting brackets). This segmentation allows users to select only the necessary components for their specific application, reducing the effective number of parts while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functional elements are merged into integrated assemblies, such as the latch assembly that combines the latch mechanism with mounting brackets, and the hasp assembly that integrates the hasp with its mounting structure. This merging reduces the total number of separate parts while maintaining modularity and customizability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing gate fastening devices use a non-modular design, then manufacturing is simpler, but the device cannot be customized to meet user needs and preferences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device is manufactured as separate modular components that can be produced independently using standard manufacturing processes. The latch assembly, hasp assembly, and handles can be manufactured separately and then assembled, which simplifies the manufacturing of individual components while enabling customization through different component combinations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20260049504A1Gate Fastening Device
Publication Date: 2026.02.19 OUTERPULL LLC
  • US20260049504A1 patent drawing
  • US20260049504A1 patent drawing
  • US20260049504A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Gate fastening devices and methods of installing the gate fastening devices.