Flexible Door Latch Plate for Quiet Latch Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door latch strike plates generate noise due to metal-on-metal contact and release of pent-up energy, as well as wear and tear from direct door and door jamb collisions.

Innovation Solution

A flexible door latch strike plate made of materials like thermoplastic elastomers, silicone, or polyurethane, featuring impact ramps, guide ramps, catch flaps, and slam barriers to absorb noise and prevent direct door jamb contact, using flexible materials to deform and absorb energy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a rigid strike plate is used, then the latch bolt can be effectively engaged and held, but noise is generated from metal-on-metal contact and door collisions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovenoiseVSAvoidlatch engagement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The strike plate material is changed from rigid metal to flexible material, altering its physical parameters to enable deformation and energy absorption during latch engagement, thereby reducing noise while maintaining engagement reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

A flexible intermediate material is introduced between the rigid latch bolt and the strike plate body, serving as a mediator that absorbs impact energy and reduces noise transmission while still enabling effective latch engagement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a flexible material is used for the strike plate, then noise is reduced through deformation and energy absorption, but the structural strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovenoiseVSAvoidstrike plate durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The strike plate is constructed from composite materials that combine the noise-absorbing properties of flexible materials with the structural strength needed for reliable latch engagement and long-term durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the strike plate is made from flexible material, then wear and tear from door collisions is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrike plate lifespanVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The strike plate utilizes flexible shell structures that can be molded into the required shape, allowing for collision absorption and extended lifespan while maintaining reasonable manufacturability through molding processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Reduces noise and wear by damping the impact and collision sounds, and prevents direct door jamb contact, enhancing quiet operation and durability.

Implementation Method 1

one or more flaps around the center opening intended to deform around a door latching bolt assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

absorbing pent up spring loaded energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 3

flexible flaps affixed to the center opening generating friction with the latch bolt, slowing down its descent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

flexible perpendicular protrusion preventing and absorbing impact of door on door jamb and eliminating potentially emitted noise

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS12624568B2Flexible door latch plate

Publication Date: 2026.05.12 RAYKHENBERG MARK

AI summary

A flexible door latch strike plate for reducing noise of a closing door includes a rectangular body having rounded corners and a rectangular center opening, one or more flaps around the center opening intended to deform around a door latching bolt assembly, one or more protrusions on the back of the body intended to prevent the door and door jamb from directly colliding and two screw hole openings to fasten to a door jamb.