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

VSEngineering 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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If manual door operation is used, then the device complexity is low, but hygiene deteriorates when hands must contact door components

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovehygieneVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If remote control capabilities are added, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS11428028B2Electronic strike plate for door assembly
Publication Date: 2022.08.30 GELL JASON
  • US11428028B2 patent drawing
  • US11428028B2 patent drawing
  • US11428028B2 patent drawing

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.