Door Latch Actuator Lever Orientation Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door latch mechanisms lack flexibility in adjusting the orientation of the lever, limiting user customization and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A door latch actuator design featuring a torque plate and spindle with toothed engagement portions, a biasing member, and a movable lever, allowing for adjustable orientation by disengaging and re-engaging the spindle with the torque plate, enabling the lever to be positioned in various orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lever orientation is fixed in existing door latch mechanisms, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability and user customization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the lever orientation can be changed from fixed to adjustable. The spindle is made movable relative to the torque plate, allowing the lever to be rotated to different orientations (e.g., horizontal, vertical, angled) while maintaining secure engagement through the toothed portions during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is divided into separable functional components: the torque plate with first toothed portion, the spindle with second toothed portion, and the lever. This segmentation allows the spindle to be independently adjusted relative to the torque plate while maintaining the lever connection, enabling orientation changes without compromising the overall structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If the spindle is continuously engaged with the torque plate, then the lever position is stable, but the ability to adjust orientation is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism operates in periodic cycles: the spindle is engaged with the torque plate to stabilize the lever position during normal operation, then disengaged and re-engaged at different orientations when adjustment is needed. The toothed portions provide periodic engagement points that maintain stability while allowing controlled repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The toothed portions on the spindle and torque plate serve as intermediaries that facilitate both stable engagement and controlled adjustment. The teeth provide discrete engagement points that maintain lever stability during operation while allowing the spindle to be selectively disengaged and re-engaged at different orientations for adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spindle is made movable relative to the torque plate, then the lever orientation can be adjusted, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle is designed with dynamic capabilities, allowing it to transition between fixed and movable states relative to the torque plate. The toothed portions enable the spindle to be selectively engaged or disengaged, providing flexibility in lever orientation adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to more complex adjustment mechanisms.
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 user-adjustable lever orientation, enhancing customization and functionality of the door latch mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is coupled to the cage and the torque plate. The biasing member is operable to bias the torque plate toward a predetermined rotational position with respect to the cage.
Implementation Method 2
The torque plate includes a first toothed portion. A spindle includes a second toothed portion that is selectively engageable with the first toothed portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A door latch actuator includes a cage fixedly attached to a first surface and a torque plate coupled to the cage for rotation about a spindle axis. The torque plate includes a first engagement portion. An input member is rotatable about the spindle axis between a rest position and an actuated position. The input member has an actuator axis that is normal to the spindle axis. A spindle is coupled to the input member and includes a second engagement portion that is selectively engageable with the first engagement portion. The spindle is movable between an engaged position in which the torque plate holds the spindle and the input member in the rest position, and a disengaged position in which the spindle and the input member are movable with respect to the torque plate to change the orientation of the actuator axis when the input member is in the rest position.