Accessible Door Knob Mechanism With Push-to-Retract Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional door latch operators require dexterity and rotational motion, making them difficult to operate for individuals carrying objects or those with disabilities, and they lack aesthetic appeal when modified for accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A door latch operator that uses a linear force to articulate a knob or lever, translating into rotational motion through a concealed transmission, allowing the latch bolt to retract without the need for rotation or a firm grasp, with a spring mechanism ensuring the latch bolt extends when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional knob or lever is used, then the door latch can be retracted, but it requires dexterity and rotational motion that is difficult for individuals carrying objects or with disabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical rotation system with a linear push system. The knob or lever translates linear pushing motion into rotational motion through an internal transmission mechanism, eliminating the need for users to perform rotational actions. This substitution makes the device accessible to individuals with limited dexterity while maintaining the essential latch retraction function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary transmission mechanism between the user's linear input force and the latch bolt. This transmission converts the linear motion into the necessary rotational motion to retract the latch, serving as a mediator that bridges the gap between the simplified user input and the complex latch mechanism requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the knob or lever requires rotational motion to retract the latch, then the latch can be operated, but it becomes difficult to operate without a firm grasp and precise hand placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the rotational operation requirement with a linear pushing operation. The transmission mechanism internally handles the conversion to rotational motion, allowing users to operate the latch with a simple push using any body part, thereby improving reliability for users with disabilities while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to rotate the knob or lever in the traditional manner, the patent inverts the operation by having the user push linearly, with the internal mechanism performing the rotation. This inversion fundamentally changes the user interaction from a complex grasping and rotating action to a simple pushing action.
3Ease of operation
If traditional door knobs or levers are modified for accessibility, then they become easier to operate, but they lose aesthetic appeal and appear commercial or stigmatic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the knob or lever to serve multiple functions: it maintains a traditional aesthetic appearance suitable for residential settings while simultaneously providing accessible operation through its internal linear-to-rotational transmission mechanism. This multi-functionality allows the same device to satisfy both aesthetic and accessibility requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different qualities to different parts of the device: the external knob or lever maintains a traditional aesthetic appearance, while the internal transmission mechanism provides the accessibility function. This local differentiation allows each part to optimize for its specific function while contributing to the overall device performance.
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
Enables easy operation of doors by anyone, including those with disabilities, without the need for rotational motion or a firm grasp, maintaining a traditional aesthetic while providing functional accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
The latch bolt is sprung within the latch, which always extends the latch bolt when the linear force and rotational motion is absent
Implementation Method 2
a spring within the transmission returns the rack gear after the linear force is terminated, thereby extending the latch bolt from the latch
Data Source
AI summary
A door latch operator comprising: one of a knob and a lever on a door configured to articulate in response to a linear force, wherein the linear force is perpendicular to a central, longitudinal axis of a latch; a transmission configured to translate the linear force into a rotational motion; and a latch bolt configured to extend from the latch absent the rotational motion and retract into the latch upon reception of the rotational motion.