Rotor-Based Latch for Gates and Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latches for gates and doors lack a robust and simple mechanism for remote operation and self-locking functionality, particularly in scenarios requiring emergency egress or secure locking.
Innovation Solution
A latch system featuring a rotor-based locking element with key-operated or push-button actuation, allowing for remote operation and self-locking capabilities, integrated with a housing that includes a displaceable latching element and a key-operated lock, enabling secure engagement and release of the striker arm for gate or door operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional latch mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but remote operation capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
A remote actuator unit is introduced as an intermediary device that can operate the latch mechanism from a distance. This actuator unit includes a motor or actuation mechanism that engages with the latch components through a transmission mechanism, enabling remote operation without requiring direct manual manipulation of the latch itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: traditional manual operation, remote operation via the remote actuator unit, and self-locking functionality. This multi-functionality allows a single latch system to address various operational needs including emergency egress, secure locking, and convenient remote access.
2Reliability
If a latch without self-locking is used, then the structure is simpler, but security and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The latch incorporates a self-locking mechanism that automatically engages and maintains the locked state without requiring continuous external intervention. The self-locking feature utilizes the latch's own structural components to create a positive locking engagement, ensuring reliable security while minimizing the need for additional complex locking systems.
3Reliability
If gravity biasing is used, then the latch is simpler, but control precision and reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system allows for configurable biasing parameters to be adjusted based on specific application requirements. The biasing mechanism can be adjusted to provide appropriate force characteristics for different gate or door weights, ensuring reliable engagement while maintaining operational simplicity. The system can accommodate both gravity-based and spring-based biasing configurations.
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 latch system provides secure locking and remote operation, facilitating easy opening and closing while ensuring robustness and simplicity, with options for gravity or spring biasing and self-locking mechanisms, accommodating various installation scenarios and emergency access needs.
Implementation Method 1
the biasing of the tongue will be under gravity, for example through a pivotal mounting
Implementation Method 2
devices having spring biased tongues as well as gravity biased tongues and, in addition, extends to tongues which are both gravity and spring biased
Data Source
AI summary
A latch has a displaceable latching element in a housing for engagement with a separate striker arm to be latched behind an engagement shoulder of the latching element. The housing mounts a cylinder lock to receive a key from the front. A rotor is mounted on the rear of cylinder lock and rotation of the key rotation the rotor to drive a locking element to engage and lock the latching element. The rotor may also be axial displaceable against spring biasing responsive to a rear unit pushing element whereby unlocking from a rear cylinder lock may rotate the rotor to unlock and pushing causes the latching element to be displaced against its biasing to release the striker arm. Embodiments include a gravity biased and manually opened latch and a spring biased self-locking embodiment.