Electric Strike Mechanical Override Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric strikes for door frames face challenges in power loss scenarios, where they either enter fail-safe or fail-secure modes, making access control complex and difficult to restrict, especially when power is lost.
Innovation Solution
An electric strike with a mechanically operated override mechanism that allows for deadlock or safe exit options, using a push bar or key cylinder to override the electronically controlled actuator, enabling secure access control independent of power availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electric strike uses electronically controlled actuator for access control, then access restriction capability is improved, but reliability under power loss conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electric strike is segmented into two independent systems: an electronically controlled actuator for normal access control operations, and a mechanically operated override mechanism for emergency or power-loss situations. This segmentation allows each subsystem to independently fulfill its specific function, ensuring that electronic access control works when powered while mechanical override ensures reliability when power is lost.
Solution Approach 2:
A blocking element serves as an intermediary component between the electronic actuator and the keeper mechanism. This blocking element can be positioned to either allow or prevent the keeper from releasing the latch bolt, effectively mediating between the electronic control system and the mechanical locking function. The override mechanism controls this blocking element to ensure mechanical access is possible when electronic control fails.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If electric strike enters fail-secure mode to maintain security, then building security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical override capability is extracted as a separate, independently operable system from the electronic access control. The override mechanism with its key cylinder and push button can be operated without electronic power or authentication, allowing authorized personnel to exit the building even when the electronic system is in fail-secure mode or completely powerless.
3Productivity
If electric strike uses RFID scanner for access control, then productivity of access management is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the mechanical override dependent on electronic control (which would add complexity), the design inverts the relationship by making the electronic actuator dependent on the mechanical override capability. The mechanical system serves as the fundamental backup that can independently perform the essential function of releasing the latch, while the electronic system enhances but does not replace this fundamental capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric strike for a door frame, comprising: a body; a keeper moveably attached to the body for selectively retaining a latch bolt on a door; a blocking element movable between a blocking position in which the blocking element locks the keeper to prevent a latch from being moved past the keeper, and an unblocking position in which the blocking element unlocks the keeper to allow the latch to move past the keeper; an electronically controlled electric actuator for moving the blocking element between the blocking position and the unblocking position; and an override mechanism to override the electric actuator.