Door Lock Removable Handle Shroud Puck Lock Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door latch mechanisms and locks are vulnerable to vandalism, as handles and brackets made of soft metal can be easily bent or cut, and existing protectors do not adequately safeguard the latch mechanism and handle.
Innovation Solution
A protector system comprising a removable handle, a plate fastened to the door, and a shroud that surrounds the shaft, which can receive a puck lock for enhanced security, allowing the handle to be rotated to engage a slot for operation of the latch mechanism between latched and unlatched positions, and includes a design where the puck lock binds against the shroud to prevent rotation when attempted to be cut or bent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a padlock or bracket locking mechanism is used to secure the door, then the door is protected from unwanted opening, but the handle and latch mechanism remain vulnerable to vandalism through bending or cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the handle assembly and latch mechanism into a single integrated unit that is secured by the locking device. The handle, shaft, and latch mechanism work as one unified system, so that when the locking device secures the shaft, the entire assembly becomes protected from vandalism. This merging eliminates the vulnerability of separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is nested within the handle assembly, with the shaft extending through the door and the latch mechanism positioned inside the door or door frame. The locking device secures the shaft, which in turn protects the nested latch mechanism from external vandalism attempts such as bending or cutting.
2Ease of operation
If the handle is made of soft metal for ease of operation, then the handle is easy to rotate and operate, but the handle becomes easily bent or cut by vandals
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is engaged with the shaft before any vandalism attempt occurs. This preliminary securing action prevents vandals from bending or cutting the soft metal handle, as the locked shaft resists such forces. The handle remains soft for easy operation during normal use, but the pre-engaged lock provides strength against vandalism.
3Reliability
If existing protectors or shrouds are used to protect the lock, then the locking device is protected, but the handle and latch mechanism remain exposed to vandalism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protection scope to include the handle, shaft, and latch mechanism as a unified secured assembly. The locking device is positioned and configured to secure the entire handle assembly, not just the lock itself. This ensures that when the shaft is locked, the handle and latch mechanism are simultaneously protected from vandalism.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed toward a protector for a door latch mechanism. The protector comprises a shaft to which a removable handle is attached, a plate adapted to be fastened to a door, and a shroud extending from the plate and surrounding a portion of the shaft when the removable handle is removed. The shroud is adapted to receive a puck lock for engagement with the shaft when the removable handle is removed. The shroud is adapted to receive the removable handle for engagement with the shaft when the puck lock is removed. The removable handle is operable to rotate the shaft and effect operation of the latch mechanism between latched and unlatched positions. The shroud includes a slot and the removable handle includes a tab such that when the removable handle is rotated, the tab of the removable handle engages the slot of the shroud.