Surface-Mounted Multi-Point Locking Astragal for Swinging Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-point locking systems for swinging doors are difficult and costly to install due to the need for extensive preparation of the door edges, and there is a need for a surface-mounted locking system that provides secure engagement at multiple points without requiring custom door edge preparation.
Innovation Solution
A surface-mounted multi-point locking system for inactive swinging door panels, featuring shoot bolts and latch pawls that can be easily installed along the non-hinged vertical edge, with actuator mechanisms to move the bolts and pawls between retracted and extended positions, providing secure engagement at multiple points without the need for custom door edge preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional multi-point locking systems are installed using internal mounting within specially formed pockets or recesses, then secure engagement at multiple points is achieved, but extensive door edge preparation is required making installation difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional mounting approach by moving from internal mounting within door recesses to external surface mounting on the door edge. The locking system is mounted on the exterior surface of the door panel, eliminating the need for complex internal pocket formation while maintaining secure engagement functionality through externally positioned shoot bolts and latch pawls that engage with corresponding receivers in the door frame
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is extracted from the door interior and mounted on the external surface of the door edge. This extraction eliminates the need for extensive door edge preparation and internal pocket formation, while the system maintains its multi-point engagement capability through externally positioned components that secure to the door frame
2Reliability
If shoot bolts and latch pawls are mounted internally within door pockets, then secure locking is achieved, but the door edge must be specially prepared by routing, milling, or chiseling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the mounting location from internal door pockets to external door surface. The locking mechanism components are surface-mounted on the exterior of the door panel, eliminating the need for precision door edge preparation including routing, milling, or chiseling of internal recesses, while maintaining secure locking through external engagement with the door frame
3Reliability
If multiple shoot bolts are used to engage at multiple points, then security and strength are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single integrated astragal assembly. The astragal houses multiple shoot bolts and latch pawls that are actuated by a common actuator mechanism, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining multi-point engagement security. The unified assembly simplifies installation and operation compared to separate locking components
Data Source
AI summary
A multipoint locking system includes a body having an upper aperture and a lower aperture therein. An upper latch pawl is disposed in the upper aperture and is pivotable about a first vertical axis between a first retracted position and a first extended position. A lower latch pawl is disposed in the lower aperture and is pivotable about a second vertical axis between a second retracted position and a second extended position. At least one actuator is configured to move the upper and lower latch pawls between their retracted and extended positions. The body can be an astragal, a vertical frame member, or the like.