Electronic Strike Plate Actuation for Hands-Free Door Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door assemblies with spring-driven latches require manual operation to open, which can be inconvenient and unhygienic, especially when hands are occupied, and lack remote control capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An electronic strike plate that fits within a standard latch bore, featuring an electrically-powered module with a contact component to push the latch out of the bore and into the door, allowing hands-free operation and remote control via wireless signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual door latch operation is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation deteriorates when hands are occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual latch operation with an electronically-controlled actuator system. The actuator, controlled by a controller that receives signals from various input devices (keypads, sensors, remote controls), automates the latch retraction process. This substitution allows hands-free operation while maintaining security through electronic control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The door assembly system provides self-service functionality by automatically detecting when the door should be opened through various sensors (motion sensors, proximity sensors, biometric sensors) and autonomously actuating the latch release mechanism without requiring manual intervention. This enables the system to serve itself in routine operations.
2Ease of operation
If manual door operation is used, then the device complexity is low, but hygiene deteriorates when hands must contact door components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for hand contact with door components by replacing manual operation with electronic sensing and actuation systems. Controllers receive input from contactless sensors (motion detectors, proximity sensors, biometric scanners) and automatically control the latch mechanism, completely removing the requirement for physical contact with door handles or latches.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary devices between the user and the door mechanism - specifically, various sensors (motion sensors, proximity sensors, biometric sensors) that detect user presence or identity without contact, and electronic controllers that translate these detections into automated latch operations. These intermediaries enable hygienic, contactless interaction.
3Ease of manufacture
If the electronic strike plate is installed within the standard latch bore, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the electrically-powered module
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic strike plate is designed to fit within the standard latch bore, making it universally compatible with existing door frames without requiring custom installation. The device integrates multiple functions (latch actuation, control processing, sensor input, power management) into a single multi-functional unit that maintains compatibility with standard door hardware dimensions and mounting procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electronic control components (actuator, controller, power source, sensors) into a single integrated housing that fits within the standard latch bore. This consolidation combines multiple functional elements into one compact unit, simplifying installation while incorporating advanced electronic capabilities.
4Ease of operation
If remote control capabilities are added, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces wireless communication modules as intermediaries between remote control devices and the door latch mechanism. These modules receive wireless signals (from keypads, remote controls, or mobile devices) and translate them into control commands for the actuator, enabling remote operation without direct physical interaction with the door.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical control (manual key insertion, physical button pressing on the door) with wireless electronic communication. The controller processes wireless signals and automatically actuates the latch mechanism, substituting mechanical interaction with electronic signal transmission and automated response.
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
Enables easy installation without modifying the doorjamb, provides improved hygiene and security by allowing hands-free operation and remote control of door opening, with all moving parts concealed within the door frame.
Implementation Method 1
The electrically-powered module may include an electromagnet. Energization of the electromagnet may drive the contact component towards the door and into a first position, and wherein de-energization of the electromagnet may cause the contact component to return to a second position
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for interacting with a latch of a door includes a contact component configured to make physical contact with the latch, an electrically-powered module, and a housing. The electrically-powered module is configured to move the contact component such that the contact component pushes the latch out of a bore of a door frame and into the door. The housing contains the electrically-powered module and the contact component, and is configured to fit within the bore of the door frame. The apparatus can also include a mounting plate attached to the housing, the mounting plate configured to mount the apparatus to the door frame such that the housing is disposed within the bore of the door frame.


