Adjustable Central Latch for Double-Leaf Fire Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double-leaf fire doors lack adjustability and fail to prevent opening due to thermal expansion during fires, and existing locking devices do not provide adequate fire containment or adjustability.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable central latch with a unique cross-sectional shape, featuring elongated holes for screwing onto the door steps, allowing adjustment in both horizontal and vertical planes, which hooks onto door extensions to prevent opening during thermal expansion, ensuring secure fire containment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed locking device is used for double-leaf fire doors, then the door structure is simple, but the door cannot adapt to thermal expansion during fire and may fail to contain fire effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The latch device incorporates adjustability features that allow it to adapt to thermal expansion during fire. The latch can be repositioned along the door leaf to maintain proper engagement despite dimensional changes, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that responds to thermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch device allows for parameter changes in its position and orientation to accommodate thermal expansion. By adjusting the latch position along the door leaf, the system maintains effective fire containment despite changes in door dimensions caused by heat.
2Ease of operation
If a non-adjustable latch is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the door cannot be properly installed at the worksite with varying clearances
Solution Approach 1:
The latch device is divided into separable components that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the latch to be installed at different positions to accommodate varying clearances between door leaves while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch incorporates adjustable elements that enable post-manufacturing adaptation at the installation site. This dynamic capability allows workers to position the latch precisely where needed to accommodate tolerance variations without requiring complex custom manufacturing.
3Reliability
If existing locking devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the occupants cannot exit in case of evacuation
Solution Approach 1:
The latch device is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides fire containment, accommodates thermal expansion, allows for installation adjustment, and maintains evacuation capability. This multi-functionality is achieved through a relatively simple adjustable mechanism that can be positioned to allow emergency exit while maintaining security during normal operation.
4Reliability
If a key-locked mechanism is added to meet fire resistance tests, then fire containment is improved, but the door cannot be opened during evacuation and requires additional safety elements
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed with a key lock. This allows the door to maintain fire resistance through proper latch engagement while enabling emergency evacuation by allowing the latch to be released and repositioned without keys, eliminating the need for additional safety elements.
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 adjustable central latch effectively prevents double-leaf fire doors from opening during fires by securely hooking onto door extensions, adapting to varying clearance between leaves and ensuring reliable fire containment through precise positioning and high resistance to deformation.
Implementation Method 1
designed for the purpose of preventing the door from opening due to expansion in case of fire
Data Source
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AI summary
An adjustable central latch for the leaves of double-leaf fire doors and door, designed for the purpose of preventing the door from opening due to expansion in case of fire, and that is, at the same time, adjustable.