Door Strike Dead Latch Release With Integrated Keeper and Kicker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically-controlled strikes for mortise door locks are complex and costly, requiring numerous components and a motor gear train, and lack a simplified mechanism for customizing to various spring latch and dead latch arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A simplified electrically-controlled strike mechanism featuring a pivotable keeper, kicker, and adjustable dead latch release platform that operate together to release the door latch, utilizing a solenoid for actuation and accommodating various lockset arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motor gear train and multiple components are used in the electrically-controlled strike, then the door latch can be reliably released, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the keeper, kicker, and dead latch release platform into a single integrated pivotable assembly. These three components that previously operated independently or required separate actuation mechanisms now pivot together as one synchronized unit, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall strike mechanism while maintaining reliable door latch release functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pivotable assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: the keeper retains the spring latch, the kicker engages the nose of the spring latch to urge it onto the exit ramp, and the dead latch release platform releases the dead latch. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate motor gear trains and multiple independent actuation systems, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed strike mechanism is used, then the manufacturing cost is lower, but it cannot accommodate different lockset arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a adjustable positioning mechanism that allows the integrated pivotable assembly to be positioned at different locations within the strike housing. This dynamic positioning capability enables the same strike mechanism to accommodate various spring latch and dead latch arrangements without requiring custom-manufactured components for each configuration, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The strike mechanism is divided into modular components including the housing, the integrated pivotable assembly, and the adjustable positioning mechanism. This segmentation allows for standardized mass production of individual modules while enabling field adjustment to accommodate different lockset arrangements, balancing manufacturing simplicity with versatility
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
Reduces complexity and cost while effectively releasing the door latch, accommodating different lockset configurations, and providing flexible operation modes.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a solenoid for actuation
Implementation Method 2
The spring latch is reciprocally moveable between an engaged position so that it can engage the strike, thereby to retain the door in a fastened state, and a release position
Implementation Method 3
The dead latch is reciprocally moveable between an enabled position (extended) that permits movement of the spring latch from the engaged position to the release position and a disabled position (depressed)
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator-controlled strike comprising a housing disposable within a doorframe and including a cavity for a spring latch and a dead latch of a mortise-type lockset. A keeper is pivotably mounted within the chamber to engage the spring latch. A pivotably mounted kicker cooperates with the keeper. A pivotably mounted dead latch release is supported by the keeper when the spring latch is within the strike. The keeper is released by the actuator and rotates into a position to ramp the spring latch out of the strike, also allowing the dead latch release to release the dead latch into the cavity, allowing the spring latch to be ramped out of the strike. Pivoting the keeper causes the kicker to urge the spring latch onto an exit ramp on a face of the keeper. The dead latch release can be installed in a plurality of different locations in the housing.