Mortise Lock Adapter for Multi-Point Vertical Rod Latch Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mortise locks cannot actuate vertical rod door latches, and there is no mechanism for adjusting latch projections while the door is hung, making installation and adjustment cumbersome, especially for handicapped persons.
Innovation Solution
An adapter and method that allows a standard mortise lock to actuate vertical rod door latches, enabling in situ adjustment of latch projections and simplifying the installation of vertical rods in a door with a concealed rod and latch assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard mortise lock is used, then the lock structure is simple and cost-effective, but it cannot actuate vertical rod door latches
Solution Approach 1:
An adapter assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the mortise lock and the vertical rod door latch. The adapter includes a adapter hub that receives the mortise lock cam and transfer arms that connect to the vertical rods, enabling the standard mortise lock to actuate the vertical rod latches without modifying the lock itself
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly serves multiple functions: it converts the rotational motion of the mortise lock cam into linear motion of the vertical rods, provides adjustment mechanisms for latch projection depth, and enables compatibility between standard mortise locks and vertical rod door latch systems
2Ease of operation
If latch projection adjustment is performed before door installation, then the latch position can be set, but the door must be taken down and re-adjusted for final adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly incorporates adjustable components that allow the latch projection depth to be modified after door installation. The transfer arms and vertical rod connections are designed to be adjustable, enabling fine-tuning of the latch position without removing the door from the frame
Solution Approach 2:
While preliminary adjustment before door installation is still performed, the adapter design allows for preliminary positioning followed by easy final adjustments after installation, combining the benefits of both approaches
3Shape
If the vertical rod and latch assembly is concealed inside a door cavity, then the appearance is clean, but the installer cannot have a clean line of sight to the connection between the lock interface and the rod
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is divided into modular segments that can be assembled separately and then connected within the door cavity. The vertical rods, transfer arms, and adapter hub are separate components that can be installed piece by piece, making it easier to work with limited visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter hub protrudes through the door surface, providing an external interface for alignment and connection. This external dimension allows the installer to work from outside the door while the main assembly remains concealed inside the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter and interface permits a standard mortise lock to drive top and bottom latch mechanisms of a multi-point lock system. An actuator permits in situ adjustment of the top and bottom vertical latch projections of adjusting these projections while the door is hung in the door frame. An installation tool assists in the installation of the vertical rods in a door. A connector and carrier secures the vertical rods to the actuator and permits verification of retention of the rods in a multi-point latching system. A latch dogging indicator allows for end-user adjustment between a single-point lock and a multi-point lock system when desired. These different aspects may be employed in combination or separately with other locking systems.