Pivotable Gate Fastener With Integrated Locking Pin for Double Gates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing double gate fasteners lack a secure locking mechanism, particularly in adverse weather conditions, leading to potential user injury, pin loss, and component deterioration, especially in off-shore settings.

Innovation Solution

A pivotable gate fastener with integrated locking pin, featuring apertures with varying diameters to secure the pin within the fastener body, preventing unauthorized opening, and a handle for user-controlled locking and unlocking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a wire cable with hanging pin is used for locking, then locking function is provided, but user injury and pin loss occur due to pin being inadvertently released

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoiduser injury and pin loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking pin is integrated into the pivotable body as a unified component. The pin cannot be separated from the fastener, eliminating the hazard of lost pins while maintaining the locking function. The pin is recessed into the body and only accessible through a controlled aperture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The aperture acts as an intermediary control mechanism. It allows the pin to be inserted and removed only when deliberately opened, providing a controlled interface between the user and the locking pin, thus preventing accidental release.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If locking means is added to prevent adverse weather opening, then gate security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegate securityVSAvoidfastener complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking pin is integrated into the pivotable body as a unified component. The pin cannot be separated from the fastener, eliminating the hazard of lost pins while maintaining the locking function. The pin is recessed into the body and only accessible through a controlled aperture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pivotable body serves multiple functions: it acts as both the fastening mechanism and the housing for the locking pin. The aperture serves dual purposes as both a structural feature and a control interface for the pin.

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

3Strength

If a heavy pin is used for locking, then locking strength is improved, but property damage and personnel injury risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking strengthVSAvoidproperty damage and personnel injury
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking pin is integrated into the pivotable body as a unified component. The pin cannot be separated from the fastener, eliminating the hazard of lost pins while maintaining the locking function. The pin is recessed into the body and only accessible through a controlled aperture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The aperture design provides a controlled release mechanism that prevents sudden, uncontrolled release of the pin. The pin must be deliberately removed through the aperture, allowing for controlled and safe operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP4414525B1Gate fastener with locking pin and method for securing a double gate with such a gate fastener
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 GATEMASTER LTD
  • EP4414525B1 patent drawingFigure 1(A)~1(B)
  • EP4414525B1 patent drawingFigure 2(A)~2(B)
  • EP4414525B1 patent drawingFigure 3(A)~3(B)

AI summary

A gate fastener is provided for securing a double gate, comprising a pivotable body that is fixable to a first gate, wherein the pivotable body comprises at least one recess for receiving a gate rail on the second gate; wherein the pivotable body comprises at least one aperture on a side thereof that is capable of retaining a locking pin; and wherein in a first position, the locking pin spans the recess and prevents movement of the gate rail out of the recess, and wherein in a second position, the locking pin is retracted from the recess such that a portion thereof is retained within the pivotable body without preventing movement of the gate rail out of the recess. Also provided is a gate having said fastener and a method of securing a double gate using the fastener.