Triple-Latch Kennel Door Assembly for Secure Animal Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable animal crates have doors that are difficult to open and close, prone to breakage, and inadequate for securely retaining animals during accidents or transport.
Innovation Solution
The animal enclosure features a door assembly with a pivotally attached door and three latches – a first latch for opening and closing, and second and third auxiliary latches for securing the door in a closed position, engaging different sections of the door frame to enhance security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a single-layer construction is used for the crate, then the crate is lightweight and portable, but the door is prone to breakage and insufficient for securing animals during accidents or transport
Solution Approach 1:
The door assembly is segmented into multiple independent components: a door frame, a door panel, and three separate latch mechanisms (first latch with latch bolt, second latch, and third latch). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while distributing structural loads, preventing single-point failure and enhancing overall reliability without significantly increasing weight.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional spring-loaded latch with posts extending through holes is used, then the door can be opened and closed, but it is difficult to operate and susceptible to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The door assembly is pre-configured with multiple latch mechanisms positioned at different locations (first latch at the latch side, second latch at the top, third latch at the bottom). This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the door is closed, multiple latches engage simultaneously or sequentially, providing redundant security and preventing accidental opening without requiring complex operation during use.
3Device complexity
If conventional single-latch doors are used, then the door assembly is simple, but the door cannot securely retain animals during accidents or transport
Solution Approach 1:
Different latch mechanisms are positioned at different local locations on the door frame: the first latch at the latch side frame section, the second latch at the top frame section, and the third latch at the bottom frame section. Each location provides localized security reinforcement, with the triple-latch configuration creating multiple engagement points that distribute and reinforce the securing force, preventing door failure during accidents or transport while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An animal enclosure includes a kennel body and a door assembly. The door assembly includes a door frame and a door pivotally attached to the door frame. The door frame is secured to the kennel body at an opening. The door is moveable between an open and a closed position. The door includes a first latch having a first latch bolt engaging the door frame at a first latch location. The door also includes a second latch having a second latch bolt engaging the door frame at a second latch location. The door also includes a third latch having a third latch bolt engaging the door frame at a third latch location. In some embodiments, the first latch bolt extends horizontally toward the door frame, and the second and third latch bolts extend substantially vertically from the door toward the door frame in opposite directions.