Electric Strike Keeper Arm for Interlocking Latch Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric door strike assemblies are not compatible with interlocking latch mechanisms, and when used with aluminum door/door frame members, metal distortion during forced entry can lead to unwanted release of the latch, while there is a need for an electrified strike compatible with both interlocking and Pullman-style latch mechanisms that allows remote release without powering the door.
Innovation Solution
An electric door strike assembly with movable keeper arms, including bifurcated latch portions and ramped surfaces, designed to accommodate both interlocking and Pullman-style latch mechanisms, allowing remote release by powering the door frame rather than the door.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electric door strike assembly is used with a Pullman-style latch mechanism, then the door can be locked and unlocked, but metal distortion during forced entry may allow unwanted release of the latch
Solution Approach 1:
The keeper arm is divided into multiple functional segments: a body portion, a latch portion with legs, and a ramped surface. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the legs engage with the latch plate to prevent distortion-induced release, while the ramped surface guides proper latch insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The latch portion features asymmetric leg configuration with specific spacing and angling. The legs are positioned at different distances from the keeper arm body and angled to match the specific geometry of interlocking latch mechanisms, creating a precise mechanical interface that resists distortion forces
2Reliability
If an interlocking latch mechanism with star wheel is used instead of Pullman-style latch, then forced entry resistance is improved, but existing electric strike assemblies are not compatible
Solution Approach 1:
The keeper arm design incorporates universal features that enable compatibility with multiple latch types. The bifurcated latch portion with adjustable leg spacing can accommodate both interlocking latch mechanisms with star wheels and traditional Pullman-style latches, making the electric strike assembly versatile across different door applications
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the keeper arm have specialized geometries tailored to specific latch types. The latch portion features local adaptations such as leg spacing and ramped surface angles that can be configured for interlocking mechanisms, while maintaining overall compatibility with standard latch geometries
3Ease of operation
If power is supplied to the door where the interlocking mechanism resides, then remote release is enabled, but the complexity of wiring increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of powering the latch mechanism on the door, the invention inverts the approach by placing the electric strike assembly (including solenoid actuator) on the door frame. Power is supplied to the frame-mounted strike rather than the door-mounted latch, simplifying wiring since the frame is easier to access for electrical connections
Data Source
AI summary
An electric door strike assembly includes a housing and at least one keeper arm. The housing has an opening for admission and retraction of a door latch. The at least one keeper arm has a latch portion and is mounted on the housing. The at least one keeper arm is movable between a closed position, where the opening is occluded by the latch portion, and an open position, where the door latch may be released from the opening. The latch portion may include a bifurcated member having inside and outside legs arranged in spaced parallel relation so as to define a gap therebetween. The gap is configured to receive a latch plate of an interlocking latch mechanism when the at least one keeper arm is in the closed position.