Electric Strike Keeper Support Bracket with Dual Biasing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically-controlled strikes for doors with mortise locksets are costly, complex, and have slow operation times when transitioning from a locked to an unlocked state.
Innovation Solution
An interchangeable, unitized actuator module that includes a solenoid or motor actuator, a keeper support bracket, and a biasing mechanism with dual opposing springs, allowing for quick and efficient movement between locked and unlocked states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional electrically-controlled strike is used for doors with mortise locksets, then the door can be locked and unlocked, but the device is costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The strike mechanism is divided into functionally independent modules: a keeper that rotates between locked and unlocked positions, a keeper support bracket that selectively blocks or unblocks the keeper, and an actuating mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with simple structure, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable locking operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from traditional electric strikes. By using a rotatable keeper with a simple blocking/unblocking mechanism controlled by a linear actuator, the patent removes complex electromagnetic locking mechanisms, multiple springs, and intricate linkages found in conventional strikes, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving locking reliability.
2Reliability
If a traditional electrically-controlled strike is used, then the door can be locked and unlocked, but the operation time from locked to unlocked state is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The keeper is pre-positioned in a rotatable configuration where it can quickly transition between locked and unlocked states. The keeper support bracket is designed to immediately block or unblock the keeper's rotation path when actuated, eliminating delays associated with traditional mechanisms that must wind down springs or disengage multiple locking points sequentially. This preliminary positioning enables rapid unlocking operation.
3Productivity
If a keeper support bracket is made movable to selectively block the keeper, then the latch can be released quickly, but additional actuating mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The keeper support bracket serves as an intermediary element between the linear actuator and the rotatable keeper. The actuator simply moves the support bracket linearly between blocked and unblocked positions, and this intermediate motion is sufficient to enable or prevent keeper rotation. This intermediary approach allows rapid unlocking without requiring the actuator to directly rotate the keeper or manage complex mechanical linkages.
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
The solution reduces the cost and complexity of electrically-controlled strikes, improves reliability, and decreases the time required to transition from a locked to an unlocked state, enhancing the performance and efficiency of door operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing mechanism and a second biasing mechanism, wherein a first biasing characteristic value of the first biasing mechanism is different than a second biasing characteristic value of the second biasing mechanism. The first biasing mechanism applies a first force to the support bracket in the first direction, and the second biasing mechanism applies a second force to the support bracket in the second direction
Implementation Method 2
When the support bracket is in the locked position, the forces applied by the first biasing mechanism and the second biasing mechanism are balanced, thereby reducing the net force applied to the support bracket by the biasing mechanisms
Implementation Method 3
An interchangeable, unitized actuator module that includes a solenoid or motor actuator
Implementation Method 4
an actuator selectively movable between a first actuator position and a second actuator position
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator controlled electric strike for operating in conjunction with a latch of a lockset. The strike comprises a keeper support bracket movable between first and second positions. When the bracket is in the first position a keeper is held in either a locked or unlocked position, and when the bracket is in the second position the keeper is movable to the other position. An actuating mechanism is operatively connected to the bracket and is configured to allow the bracket to move between the first and second positions. First and second biasing mechanisms apply a net force to the bracket. The first biasing mechanism applies a first force to the bracket in the first direction, and the second biasing mechanism applies a second force to the bracket in the second direction. When the bracket is in the first position, the net force of the biasing member is approximately zero.