Two-Step Squeeze-and-Slide Gate Latch for Child Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety gates for residential use are difficult for adults to operate easily but can be easily opened by children, lacking ergonomic design considerations.
Innovation Solution
A gate latch apparatus with opposing buttons that are squeezed to unlock slides, which are then slid to open or close the latch, requiring a two-step action that minimizes use by children.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple latch mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but safety is worsened because children can easily open it
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into multiple functional components: a button for releasing, a slide for lateral movement, and a latch for securing. This segmentation requires multiple discrete actions (press button, then slide) that are cognitively more demanding for children while remaining operable by adults who understand the sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic unlocking process requiring two distinct movements. The slide component introduces a dynamic element that must be manually repositioned after button release, creating a time-dependent sequence that prevents accidental or impulsive opening by children.
2Reliability
If a complex latch mechanism is used, then safety is improved by preventing child access, but ease of operation is worsened for adults
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism requires more action than a simple push-button latch (excessive action), but the actions are deliberately chosen to be natural human movements: pressing a button with a finger and sliding a component with a thumb or finger. This partial complexity achieves child-proofing while maintaining adult convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide component acts as an intermediary between the button release and the actual latch disengagement. When the button is pressed, it releases the slide, which then must be manually moved to disengage the latch. This intermediary step adds safety without significantly increasing operational complexity for adults.
3Ease of operation
If a one-handed operation mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The button and slide are positioned and sized to be manipulated by the same hand, merging two functional elements into a single-handed operation sequence. The button is pressed by one finger while the slide is moved by the thumb or another finger of the same hand, eliminating the need for two hands while maintaining the two-step safety mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A gate latch apparatus is disclosed for a residential safety gate. The gate latch apparatus includes a housing having opposable buttons. The buttons are squeezed to unlock opposing slides. The slides are slid to in turn slide a latch out of a latch receiver to permit the residential safety gate to be opened.