Handle-Free Door Strike Assembly for Hygienic Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door and window locking systems require handles or knobs for operation, leading to issues such as the spread of infectious diseases, risk of injury from protrusions, corrosion, aesthetic impact, and cumbersome operation, especially in hygienic environments.
Innovation Solution
A strike assembly that allows door or window opening by internal or external contact without handles or knobs, utilizing a spring-loaded slide element, follower, and adjustment channel to transmit motion and guide the latch, enabling operation via shoulder or foot contact and eliminating the need for manual elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If handles or knobs are used to open doors and windows, then the locking system can be operated, but the risk of disease transmission increases and protrusions may cause injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the handle or knob element from the door opening mechanism entirely. Instead, the door is opened by direct contact with the door surface itself, which actuates the latch through a hidden mechanical linkage inside the strike assembly. This extraction of the protruding handle eliminates both the disease transmission surface and the injury hazard while preserving the door opening function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical linkage system that translates direct door contact into latch actuation. The strike assembly includes internal mechanisms such as levers, cam followers, and spring-loaded components that mediate between the user's contact with the door surface and the engagement/disengagement of the latch, eliminating the need for a separate handle.
2Ease of operation
If handles and knobs are mounted on doors, then opening and closing is enabled, but the visual quality is destroyed and aesthetic impact is negative
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the handle and knob protrusions that compromise the door's visual appearance. By removing these aesthetic-defining elements and replacing them with a flush-mounted contact surface, the door achieves a cleaner, more modern appearance while maintaining operational functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the door surface and the actuation mechanism into a single integrated structure. The contact surface for opening the door is part of the door itself rather than a separate mounted component, creating a unified aesthetic appearance where the opening mechanism is hidden within the door's geometry.
3Ease of operation
If handles and knobs are used, then door opening is possible, but installation time and costs increase due to slots and mounting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for separate handle and knob mounting hardware, including slots, screws, and fasteners. The actuation mechanism is integrated directly into the strike assembly and door structure, eliminating the installation steps required for mounting separate handles and reducing both installation time and material costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the handle function, latch actuation mechanism, and strike assembly into a single integrated unit. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate mounting operations for handles and reduces the overall bill of materials, thereby reducing installation time and cost.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If anti-bacterial handles are used to prevent disease spread, then hygiene is improved, but the cost increases and periodical maintenance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the handle element that serves as a disease transmission surface entirely. By eliminating the protruding handle and allowing direct door contact, the invention removes the need for anti-bacterial coatings and associated maintenance requirements, while still addressing hygiene concerns through the elimination of high-touch surfaces.
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
This solution reduces the risk of disease transmission, eliminates protrusions that can cause injury, saves installation time and costs, enhances hygiene, and provides a more comfortable and efficient operation by allowing door opening without manual contact or protrusions.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded slide element (55) for rotating, at least partly, about a point where it is engaged
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention in general relates to a strike assembly (40) suitable for use with a lock (80) and preferably with a button mechanism, comprising a body (43) and a spring-loaded slide element (55) for rotating, at least partly, about a point where it is engaged, by a contact of a latch (90) extending into the body (43), when in use. Said strike assembly (40) comprises a follower (69) which is associated with the slide element (55), which is capable of transmitting the motion of the latch (90) thereto, and an adjustment channel (71) in which a follower pin (63) associated with the follower (69) is guided and which thus allows determining a position of the slide element (55). The strike assembly also comprises a channel adjusting element (75) which is at least party disposed in the adjustment channel (71) and which guides the movement of the said follower pin (63) in the adjustment channel (71), and a rotary member (70) for determining the position of the channel adjusting member (75) in the adjustment channel (71) and configured to be moved by a latch (90), when in use.