Biased Friction Door Latch for Ventilation and Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional door safety devices fail to effectively maintain a door in a slightly open position while preventing closure, are not adaptable to various door knob styles, and often require damaging installations, leading to injuries and limited usability across multiple doors.
Innovation Solution
A door latching device with a biased frictional engagement system that allows installation on any door edge, enabling easy operation from either side without mechanical installation, maintaining a gap for ventilation and sound passage while preventing access, and featuring a reversible mode for door stop functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional door safety devices are used to prevent door closure, then finger injury prevention is improved, but the door cannot be maintained in a slightly open position for ventilation and sound passage
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides two distinct operational modes: a doorstop mode that maintains the door in a slightly open position for ventilation and sound passage, and a safety mode that prevents complete closure to prevent finger injuries. The user can dynamically switch between these modes based on the specific need, allowing the door to be either partially open or fully protected against closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple functions in a single unit: it acts as both a doorstop to maintain partial opening for ventilation and as a safety device to prevent complete closure and finger injuries. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing both door position flexibility and injury prevention capabilities simultaneously.
2Ease of manufacture
If adhesive or hardware installation methods are used, then ease of installation is improved, but damage to the door and frame occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses the existing door edge and frame structure as intermediaries for mounting, rather than requiring direct adhesive bonding or screw installation that could damage the door or frame. The mounting mechanism engages with the door's structural elements in a reversible manner, allowing easy installation and removal without causing harm to the door or frame surfaces.
3Reliability
If devices are designed for specific doorknob styles, then operational effectiveness is improved, but adaptability to various door configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with universal mounting capabilities that work with various door configurations and doorknob styles. The mounting mechanism engages with the door edge and frame in a way that is independent of the specific doorknob design, allowing the device to function effectively on different door types without requiring style-specific adaptations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device separates the mounting function from the operational function, allowing the mounting mechanism to be independently designed for universal compatibility with various door configurations. This segmentation enables the device to adapt to different door styles while maintaining reliable operation through the separate operational components.
4Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical installation methods are used, then structural stability is improved, but installation complexity and potential damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses the door edge and frame as intermediary structures for stable mounting, eliminating the need for complex mechanical installation systems. The mounting mechanism engages with these existing structural elements to provide stable attachment without requiring additional hardware, adhesives, or complex assembly procedures.
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 device effectively prevents finger injuries, allows for easy installation and operation, maintains a secure yet ventilated space, and is adaptable to different door configurations, encouraging consistent use by being easily storable on the door knob.
Implementation Method 1
The device employs a frictional engagement of housing upon a door side edge through the employment of a biased member to increase the frictional engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A door latch assembly for engagement in a mounted position to a side edge of a door. The device features an angled or biased latch member which employs a hooked end to engage the door stop molding of a doorjamb to secure the door in a slightly open position. The latch member is engaged to a side edge of the door using frictional engagement or mechanical engagement. The latch member is releasable from either side of the door without placing a user's fingers in between the door and jamb.