Multi-Point Latch Carrier Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-point latch mechanisms for sliding doors lack a simple and effective adjustment mechanism, often requiring complex setups or no adjustment at all, leading to insecure latch engagement due to variations in construction, and lack visual indicators for adjustment limits.
Innovation Solution
A multi-point latch assembly with a single adjustment point that allows for simultaneous adjustment of latch positions using a carrier position adjustment assembly, including a rotatable screw with a visual indicator, ensuring secure engagement and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate adjustment mechanisms are provided for each latching element, then each latch point can be adjusted independently for secure engagement, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple adjustment functions into a single carrier assembly that can be adjusted as one unit. The carrier assembly holds multiple latching elements (hook bolt, cam bolt, and auxiliary latch) and can be positioned along the strike plate to simultaneously adjust all latch points, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for each latch element.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier assembly serves multiple functions: it holds multiple different types of latching elements, provides adjustment for all of them simultaneously through a single positioning mechanism, and can be adjusted along the strike plate to accommodate variations in door construction. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall adjustment system while maintaining secure engagement for all latch points.
2Device complexity
If no adjustment mechanism is provided for the latching elements, then the device complexity is reduced, but the latch elements cannot securely engage with the keeper due to construction variations
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier assembly is designed to be dynamically adjustable along the strike plate, allowing the position of multiple latching elements to be changed to accommodate variations in door construction. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures reliable engagement without requiring an overly complex fixed adjustment mechanism for each element.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier assembly is pre-configured to hold multiple latching elements in predetermined positions, but can be adjusted as a unit during installation to account for construction variations. This preliminary configuration combined with unit adjustment provides a balance between simplicity and reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the adjustment mechanism shifts one latch point more than another, then the adjustment mechanism is simpler to operate, but the latch engagement becomes less than ideal
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all latching elements onto a single carrier assembly that moves as one unit, the patent ensures that when the carrier is adjusted along the strike plate, all latching elements are shifted uniformly by the same amount. This eliminates the problem of differential shifting while maintaining the simplicity of a single adjustment operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier assembly design anticipates the need for uniform adjustment by structurally coupling all latching elements to move together. This pre-engineered coupling prevents differential shifting before it can occur, ensuring ideal latch engagement across all points simultaneously.
4Device complexity
If the range of adjustment is not visually evident, then the device structure is simpler, but it cannot be readily determined whether the device is at or near the limits of travel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual indicators (such as colored marks or windows) on the carrier assembly and strike plate that change position relative to each other as the carrier is adjusted. These visual cues make the range of adjustment evident, allowing the installer to readily determine when the device is at or near the limits of travel without adding significant structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indicator system provides immediate feedback during the adjustment process, showing the current position of the carrier relative to the available adjustment range. This feedback mechanism helps the installer understand the limits of travel without requiring actual operation to the limit first, improving ease of operation while adding minimal structural elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-point latch assembly having a single adjustment point for shifting the position of two or more latching members. The latch mechanism includes a housing and a carrier assembly received in the housing. The carrier assembly includes a pair of latch hooks. A carrier position adjustment assembly operably couples the housing and the carrier assembly such that the carrier assembly is selectively shiftable in the housing with the carrier position adjustment assembly to alter the distance the latch hooks protrude from the housing when the latch hooks are positioned in the second position. An anti-slam mechanism may also be coupled with the carrier, and may be selectively shiftable with the same adjustment mechanism.