Flush-Mounted Sliding Door Latch Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliding door latch assemblies are unsightly and prone to catching clothing or objects due to protruding actuators and hand pulls, which complicates operation and security.

Innovation Solution

A recessed latch assembly with an actuator and latch mechanism integrated within the sliding door frame, allowing for a user-friendly locking and unlocking mechanism without protrusions, utilizing a rotational actuator to engage or disengage a hook with a strike plate, and incorporating a key cylinder for additional locking options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If protruding actuators and hand pulls are used, then the latch mechanism can be operated, but the door becomes unsightly and prone to catching clothing or objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch operationVSAvoidcatching clothing or objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator is nested within a recess in the door surface, allowing the operational mechanism to be housed inside the door body rather than protruding outward. This eliminates the harmful effect of catching clothing while preserving the rotational operation capability for engaging and disengaging the latch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful protruding portions are extracted from the door surface by creating a recess that accommodates the actuator. The actuator is removed from the exterior surface and repositioned within the recess, eliminating the catching hazard while maintaining functional access through the recessed opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If protruding actuators are used, then the latch can be actuated, but the appearance becomes unsightly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch actuationVSAvoiddoor appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator mechanism is nested within a recess that is flush with or recessed into the door surface, creating a clean, integrated appearance. The operational interface is contained within the recess, eliminating visual clutter and achieving an aesthetically pleasing flush design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The door surface is modified locally by creating a recess specifically at the actuator location, allowing the actuator to be housed within this localized feature. This maintains the overall smooth appearance of the door while providing necessary access to the actuator mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If protruding hand pulls are used, then the door can be opened, but more space is needed and objects may be struck

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor openingVSAvoidspace required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The hand pull or release mechanism is nested within a recess in the door surface, reducing the protrusion into the surrounding space. This minimizes the area occupied by the operational interface and reduces the risk of striking objects or clothing while maintaining operational accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS8186189B2Latch assembly

Publication Date: 2012.05.29 FLEETWOOD ALUMINUM PRODUCTS LLC

AI summary

A door latch assembly having a latch mechanism and a substantially flush-mounted actuator. The actuator may raise and lower a latch within the latch mechanism to engage and disengage the strike plate of an adjacent door jam. Similar to the actuator, a key cylinder may be substantially flush-mounted on an opposite side of the door. The key cylinder may lock or unlock the assembly latch assembly latch assembly.