Modular Electric Strike Assembly With Adjustable Keeper Shim
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric strike assemblies lack interchangeability and adjustability, requiring replacement of the entire unit when switching lock sets or adding/removing optional features, increasing costs and limiting consumer flexibility.
Innovation Solution
An electric strike assembly with a housing, pivotally arranged keeper, and a shim assembly that allows incremental positioning within a longitudinal cavity, enabling the secure capture of latch bolts and accommodating various lock set dimensions, as well as interchangeable and adjustable optional components like a latch monitor module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional strike assemblies use fixed faceplates with holes at set positions, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to different lock sets is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The strike assembly is divided into modular components: a reusable housing and faceplate, and interchangeable locking mechanism assemblies. This segmentation allows the faceplate and housing to remain while only the locking mechanism needs to be replaced when changing lock sets, significantly improving adaptability without requiring complete replacement of the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The faceplate incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the hole positions to be dynamically reconfigured. This enables the same faceplate to accommodate different lock set dimensions by adjusting the position of mounting holes, providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optional devices are built into the strike assembly, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation for customization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Optional devices such as latch monitor modules are designed as separate, interchangeable assemblies that can be independently installed or removed from the main strike assembly. This modular approach allows users to customize the strike assembly by adding or removing optional features without affecting the core functionality or requiring replacement of the entire unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The strike assembly housing and faceplate are designed as universal components that can work with multiple different locking mechanism assemblies and optional devices. This universality allows a single base assembly to support various configurations and customizations, improving ease of operation for users who need to adapt the system to different requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If the entire strike assembly must be replaced to accommodate different lock sets, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the loss of substance and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism assembly is extracted as a separate, replaceable component from the strike assembly housing and faceplate. When a different lock set is needed, only the locking mechanism assembly is removed and replaced, while the housing and faceplate are retained. This significantly reduces material waste and cost compared to replacing the entire assembly, while maintaining manufacturing precision through dedicated precision components.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables selective discarding of only the worn or incompatible locking mechanism assembly while recovering and reusing the durable housing and faceplate components. This approach minimizes waste of valuable materials and reduces the need for repeated manufacturing of complete assemblies, thereby reducing cost and environmental impact.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric strike assembly includes a housing including a mounting device and defining an internal longitudinal cavity, a keeper pivotally arranged in the housing, and a selectively locatable component including a locking device to cooperate with the mounting device to secure the component at a predetermined incremental position along the length of the removable cavity. In accordance with other aspects of the present invention, an electric strike assembly includes a housing defining an internal longitudinal cavity, a keeper pivotally arranged in the housing, and a keeper shim assembly, including a shim, slidably engaged with the keeper to position the shim at a predetermined position along a length of the cavity. A method of securely capturing a latch bolt mounted in a door includes mounting an electric strike assembly in an associated door jamb and positioning a shim at a predetermined position in the cavity.