Electric Strike Assembly That Preserves Dead Latch Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric strike assemblies for mortise and cylindrical locks are difficult to install without modifying the door frame and often compromise the dead latch function, making them vulnerable to unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
An electric strike assembly with a housing featuring a recessed portion, a pivotable keeper assembly, a lock leg that rotates independently, and a block assembly with a blocking element, allowing for precise alignment and engagement/disengagement control, enabling easy installation without frame modifications and maintaining the dead latch's security functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a conventional electric strike assembly is installed, then the door can be electronically controlled, but the dead latch function is compromised and unauthorized access becomes possible
Solution Approach 1:
The electric strike assembly is divided into separate functional components: a strike body housing, a movable blocking element, and a dead latch plate. This segmentation allows the blocking element to independently control latch release while the dead latch plate maintains security by preventing credit card insertion, resolving the contradiction between electronic control and security reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A dead latch plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the latch and the external environment. This plate maintains the mechanical dead latch security function while allowing the electric strike to provide electronic control, ensuring that even when electronically unlocked, the dead latch prevents unauthorized access attempts.
2Extent of automation
If a conventional electric strike assembly is installed, then electronic access control is achieved, but modification of the door frame is required
Solution Approach 1:
The strike body is designed with a universal recessed configuration that can be installed in existing door jambs without extensive modification. The recessed portion accommodates the blocking element and dead latch plate, allowing the assembly to function in both new installations and retrofits, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining electronic access control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element and dead latch plate are nested within the strike body housing, which itself is recessed into the door jamb. This nested arrangement minimizes the external footprint and reduces the amount of door frame modification required, as the components fit within the existing door structure rather than requiring additional space.
3Reliability
If the blocking element is always engaged, then the dead latch security is maintained, but authorized opening cannot occur
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is designed to be dynamically controllable, transitioning between engaged and disengaged states. When engaged, it maintains dead latch security by preventing latch retraction. When disengaged through electronic actuation, it allows authorized door opening. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between maintaining security and enabling legitimate access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control where the actuator monitors the position of the blocking element and adjusts accordingly. When an authorized access signal is received, the actuator disengages the blocking element to permit opening. After opening, the blocking element automatically re-engages to restore security, creating a feedback loop that maintains reliability while enabling ease of operation during authorized access.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric strike assembly includes a housing formed with a recessed portion therein, a keeper assembly pivotably mounted in the recessed portion of the housing, a lock leg pivotably mounted in the recessed portion of the housing and configured to rotate independently of the rotation of the keeper assembly, a block assembly having a blocking element configured to engage and disengage the keeper assembly, and to control engagement and disengagement of the blocking element with the keeper assembly. A method of capturing and releasing a latch bolt mounted in a door includes mounting an electric strike assembly in an associated door jamb and controlling an actuator to rotate an, actuator paddle to engage a blocking element such that the blocking element is engaged or disengaged from a keeper assembly.