Adjustable Backset Latch Tool Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjusting the backset distance of an adjustable latch mechanism in locksets is difficult due to the need to simultaneously rotate and slide multiple parts, requiring dexterity and being time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a housing and casing system that allows for easy adjustment of the latch bolt backset by receiving the latch bolt and tailpiece, featuring a transversely extending protrusion and axially spaced circumferential portions, enabling relative axial movement and rotation to change the backset position quickly and easily.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parts (latch tail and outer case) are rotated and slid simultaneously to change backset position, then the latch mechanism can be adjusted to different backset distances, but the operation becomes difficult and requires dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
A tool with a slot and ears acts as an intermediary device that engages with the latch tail and outer case. The slot receives the latch tail while the ears engage with the outer case, allowing the tool to simultaneously control the rotation and sliding of both components during backset adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool combines multiple functions into a single device: it simultaneously guides the rotation of the latch tail and outer case while also controlling their relative sliding motion. This merges the complex multi-degree-of-freedom adjustment into a single guided operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parts are rotated and slid simultaneously to adjust backset, then the latch can be repositioned, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is designed with pre-configured geometric relationships between its slot, ears, and engagement surfaces. These preliminary design features ensure that when the tool is applied, the latch components are immediately guided into the correct motion path, eliminating the need for manual coordination of multiple adjustments.
3Ease of operation
If the latch mechanism allows easy adjustment between backset positions, then operational simplicity is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment system is segmented into distinct functional components: the housing with the slot, the casing with ears, and the engagement features. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function (guiding rotation, controlling sliding, providing leverage) while keeping the overall design modular and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for adjusting the backset of a latch bolt. The latch bolt includes a latch bolt and a tailpiece. A housing receives the latch bolt and includes a transversely extending protrusion. A casing slidably receives the housing such that the protrusion on the housing is received in a slot on the casing and an inner end of the tailpiece extends from the housing and casing. The casing is rotated relative to the housing to allow relative axial movement between the casing and the housing when transitioning between the first backset position and the second backset position. The tool includes a member defining a first slot for receiving the inner end of the tailpiece and a pair of second slots for receiving the pair of ears such that rotation of the tool rotates the tailpiece and the casing simultaneously.