Concealed Push Pad Exit Latch for Smooth Egress and Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing panic handle exit devices face challenges in combining the smooth operation of roller head latch bolts with the increased security of non-roller latch bolts, while also requiring improved concealment of working components.

Innovation Solution

A push pad exit device with a horizontally oriented actuator and vertically oriented latch mechanism, featuring an improved roller latch bolt with asymmetrically positioned rollers for enhanced security and smooth operation, along with optional dogging and key-lock mechanisms for enhanced usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a roller latch bolt is used, then smooth operation is achieved, but security is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmooth operationVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the roller mechanism and angled face into a single latch bolt head, creating a hybrid structure that combines the smooth rolling operation with the secure angled engagement surface, thereby achieving both ease of operation and security simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch bolt head features an asymmetric design with a roller on one side for smooth engagement and an angled face on another side for secure locking, allowing different portions of the same component to serve different functional purposes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If a non-roller latch bolt with angled face is used, then security is improved, but operation requires more force and feels less smooth

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidsmooth operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the roller mechanism and angled face into a single integrated latch bolt head, allowing the roller to provide smooth engagement while the angled face simultaneously provides secure locking, eliminating the need to choose between the two designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the roller is centrally located on the latch bolt, then smooth operation is maintained, but security against forced entry is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmooth operationVSAvoidresistance to forced entry
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The roller is positioned asymmetrically on the latch bolt head rather than centrally, creating an offset configuration that allows the roller to maintain smooth operation while the angled face provides enhanced security by distributing forces more effectively during forced entry attempts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS12631050B2Push pad exit device for emergency door egress and vertical latch bolt assembly
Publication Date: 2026.05.19 C R LAURENCE COMPANY INC
  • US12631050B2 patent drawing
  • US12631050B2 patent drawing
  • US12631050B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A push pad exit device comprising a horizontal push bar actuator mechanically linked to a vertical door handle assembly for use on the interior side of entrance doors where a means of emergency egress is desired, is presented. The operating mechanisms of the push bar actuator and vertical door handle assembly are concealed presenting a smooth uncluttered appearance. The push pad exit device further including an improved roller latch bolt. The improved roller latch bolt allows for a roller to make contact with a ramp surface of a corresponding strike plate on a sweep side of the plate and allows for the roller support to make contact with the strike plate on a latch side of the plate.