Combination Door Latch and Deadbolt Assembly with Adjustable Slides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door lock systems require separate operation of latchbolt and deadbolt mechanisms, which can be inconvenient, especially when the latchbolt and deadbolt apertures are spaced at different vertical distances, necessitating multiple configurations for proper alignment and operation.
Innovation Solution
A combination door latch and deadbolt assembly with interchangeable slide configurations and an elongated thumb turn aperture that allows for vertical movement of the deadbolt and latchbolt mechanisms, enabling operation in two distinct configurations based on the vertical spacing between apertures, thus simplifying the locking and unlocking process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the door lock system is designed for a specific vertical spacing between latchbolt and deadbolt apertures, then the alignment and operation are precise, but the system cannot accommodate doors with different aperture spacings
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly incorporates movable components including an adjustable latchbolt mechanism and a slide assembly that can reposition the deadbolt mechanism vertically. This dynamic adjustability allows the system to adapt to different aperture spacings while maintaining proper alignment and operation, eliminating the need for multiple fixed configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock assembly is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate both standard and reduced aperture spacings through its adjustable mechanisms. The single assembly can function across multiple installation scenarios by adjusting the position of the latchbolt and deadbolt mechanisms, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate lock sets for different door types.
2Ease of operation
If separate operation of latchbolt and deadbolt mechanisms is provided, then each mechanism can be controlled independently, but the user must perform multiple separate actions to secure or open the door
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly merges the operation of the latchbolt and deadbolt mechanisms through a common actuating mechanism. When the user operates the single lever or knob on the interior side, both the latchbolt and deadbolt are simultaneously actuated to either locked or unlocked positions. This combining of operations eliminates the need for separate manual operations and reduces the time required to secure or open the door.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates preliminary mechanical linkage between the actuator and both locking mechanisms. The internal transmission system is pre-configured so that a single user input automatically coordinates the movement of both the latchbolt and deadbolt, performing the necessary sequencing of operations without requiring the user to manually coordinate multiple actions.
3Ease of manufacture
If the latchbolt and deadbolt are positioned at fixed vertical distances, then the mechanical alignment is simplified, but the system cannot accommodate doors with non-standard aperture spacings
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the latchbolt and deadbolt to be vertically repositioned relative to each other. The slide assembly and adjustable mounting features enable mechanical alignment to be maintained across different vertical spacings, combining the simplicity of fixed alignment with the flexibility of adjustable positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock assembly is divided into modular components including the latchbolt mechanism, deadbolt mechanism, and connecting slide assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and adjusted, facilitating proper mechanical alignment regardless of the overall vertical spacing between apertures while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized modular units.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination door latch and deadbolt assembly that has first and second configurations for use with a door having a deadbolt aperture and a latchbolt aperture spaced by either a first vertical distance or a second vertical distance. The second vertical distance is less than the first vertical distance. In the first configuration, an insert slide is connected to an interconnect slide for vertical movement with the interconnect slide and the interconnect slide is operably connected to a deadbolt assembly via the insert slide. The insert slide and interconnect slide are movable vertically to move a deadbolt from an extended position to a retracted position in response to movement of an interior actuator from a first position to a second position. In the second configuration, the interconnect slide is operably connected to the deadbolt assembly without the insert slide.