Keeper Latch Assembly for Low-Force Emergency Egress

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing egress devices require high operational forces to unlatch the latch bolt from the strike plate, which can be challenging, especially in emergency situations, and there is a need for a secure and reliable latch arrangement that allows easy opening without excessive force.

Innovation Solution

The egress device incorporates a keeper latch member that can move between engaged and released positions, a striker assembly with a striker bolt that moves between extended and retracted positions, and an actuator assembly that facilitates easy opening by moving the keeper latch member to the released position, allowing the striker bolt to move out of alignment with the latch assembly, thereby reducing the required operational force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional latch mechanism is used, then the latch is secure and reliable, but high operational force is required to unlatch

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational forceVSAvoidlatch security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism transitions from a static locking state to a dynamic releasing state through the keeper latch member's movement. The keeper latch member can rotate between an engaged position (providing secure locking) and a released position (allowing easy opening), enabling the system to adapt its mechanical state based on operational requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The keeper latch member acts as an intermediary component between the latch bolt and the keeper. By introducing this intermediate element that can change position, the system reduces the direct force requirement between the latch bolt and strike plate, allowing easier operation while maintaining security through the keeper's retention mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the keeper latch member is engaged, then the movable barrier is securely retained, but the barrier cannot be opened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebarrier retentionVSAvoidbarrier opening

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The keeper latch member provides dynamic control over barrier retention. In the engaged position, it securely holds the keeper to retain the barrier. In the released position, it allows the keeper to move, enabling barrier opening. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between secure retention and ease of opening

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator assembly performs preliminary action by first moving the keeper latch member to the released position before the barrier can be opened. This preliminary movement of the latch member removes the locking constraint, allowing the barrier to be opened with minimal subsequent force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260035972A1Improvements to latches for movable barriers or the like

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 D & D GROUP PTY LTD

AI summary

This invention relates to a latch arrangement (50) including a striker assembly (300), and a latch assembly (200). The striker assembly (300) includes a striker bolt (306) and a striker bolt housing (312) whereby the striker bolt (306) is movable relative to the striker housing (312) between an extended position and a retracted position. The latch assembly (200) is operable to retain the striker bolt (306) in the extended position and includes a keeper (204).