Narrow Backset Mortise Lock with Vertical Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mortise locks for sliding doors with narrow backset dimensions (less than two inches) lack an automatic latching and unlatching mechanism, posing a safety risk due to extended latches that can catch on individuals or clothing, and are difficult to install in the limited space of ICU doors with a 1.25 inch backset.
Innovation Solution
A mortise lock with a specially designed automatic latching and unlatching mechanism, featuring a latch positioned below the lever hub, utilizing new linkage and mechanical components, including a dual hub arm, dual latch arm, and dual latch arm pin, to fit within a narrow 1.5 inch casing, which automatically latches and unlatches by engaging or disengaging with a strike plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an automatic latching mechanism is installed in a narrow backset mortise lock (1.25 inches), then the safety and functionality of the door is improved, but the available space for installing the mechanism becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is repositioned from a horizontal arrangement (adjacent to the lever hub) to a vertical arrangement (below the lever hub). This dimensional change allows the automatic latching mechanism to fit within the narrow 1.25-inch backset by utilizing the vertical space rather than horizontal space, resolving the space constraint while maintaining safety functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism is divided into specialized components including a dual hub arm, dual latch arm, and dual latch arm pin. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function within the constrained space, enabling the automatic latching mechanism to operate reliably in the narrow backset configuration
2Ease of manufacture
If the latch is positioned adjacent to the lever hub (conventional design), then the installation is simpler, but the extended latch creates a safety hazard by catching on individuals or clothing when the door is open
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is moved from a horizontal position (adjacent to lever hub) to a vertical position (below the lever hub). This repositioning ensures the latch is located in a safe area away from traffic flow when the door is open, eliminating the catching hazard while the linkage mechanism maintains installation feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
A linkage mechanism including the dual latch arm and dual latch arm pin serves as an intermediary between the lever hub operation and the latch positioning. This intermediary mechanism transmits the operational force while allowing the latch to be positioned in the safe vertical location below the lever hub
3Device complexity
If a conventional latch mechanism is used in narrow backset doors, then the design is simpler, but it cannot provide automatic latching and unlatching functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The manual operation components (lever hub) and automatic latching components are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The dual hub arm and dual latch arm are designed to work together, allowing the lever hub operation to simultaneously control both manual and automatic latching functions within the same compact assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is designed to automatically latch and unlatch without requiring separate manual intervention. When the lever hub is operated, the linkage mechanism automatically triggers the latch to engage or disengage, providing self-service automatic functionality while maintaining a relatively simple overall design
Data Source
AI summary
Narrow backset auto-latching mortise lock for sliding door is a mortise lock that is fully contained within a 1.5 inch wide casing or housing that includes actuated automatic latching and automatic unlatching mechanism. Narrow backset auto-latching mortise lock for sliding door is a mortise lock that properly fits a narrow backset sliding door with a backset dimension of 1.25 inches. The design of narrow backset auto-latching mortise lock for sliding door has been elongated so that the latch or bolt is moved downwards and positioned below the lever hub. The positioning of the latch or bolt at a location below the lever hub requires special linkage and mechanical components in order to make the mortise lock function properly. This design required all new lock components, including a new latch lever with a dual hub arm, a dual latch arm, and a dual latch arm pin.