Foot-Operated Door Latch Linkage With Switchable Hand Override
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door-opening mechanisms, such as power-assisted electrical or mechanical openers, are complex, prone to malfunction, expensive, and require significant modifications, and lack of maintenance can lead to user injury, while manual door opening is inconvenient when hands are occupied or contaminated.
Innovation Solution
A foot-operated door-unlatching device with a foot-operated lower actuator connected to a hand-operated upper actuator via a link, allowing unlatching by foot or hand, with a configuration that can be switched between engaged and disengaged modes for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power-assisted electrical or mechanical door openers are used, then door opening convenience is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of automatic door opening by removing complex electrical/mechanical systems and retaining only the core mechanical linkage between foot pedal and door latch, significantly simplifying the device while maintaining convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The door opener system uses the user's own foot power to directly actuate the door opening mechanism through a simple mechanical linkage, eliminating the need for external power sources, motors, or control systems
2Ease of operation
If power-assisted door openers are installed, then door opening capability is improved, but installation modification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a foot pedal assembly, a mechanical linkage, and a door latch interface, allowing independent installation and configuration without modifying the existing door structure
3Device complexity
If manual door opening is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates when hands are occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a foot pedal as an intermediary actuation mechanism that translates foot motion into door latch movement, allowing hands-free operation while maintaining simple mechanical construction
4Ease of operation
If foot-operated mechanism is added, then hand-free operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foot pedal and door latch actuation are merged into a single integrated mechanical linkage system, where the foot pedal directly drives the latch mechanism through a continuous mechanical connection, minimizing the number of separate components
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 convenient and hygienic door opening without requiring hand contact, reducing the risk of contamination and injury, while maintaining security through mode switching.
Implementation Method 1
an upper actuator (300) comprising a lever-arm (350) and a handle-mount (380)... wherein the lever-arm (350) is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the handle-mount (380)
Implementation Method 2
a link (400) coupled to the foot-pad (550) and the lever-arm (350)... actuation of the foot-pad (550) moves the lever-arm (350) and the handle-mount (380)
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1G
Figure 1H~1M
AI summary
A door-unlatching device including a lower actuator including a foot-pad, an upper actuator including a lever-arm and a handle-mount attachable to a handle of door-latch, and a link coupled to the foot-pad and the lever-arm, wherein the lever-arm is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the handle-mount. It can be set to either engaged mode which allows either hand or foot to operate; or disengaged mode to allow only hand to operate which the door can also be locked from entry as by a normal door latch.