Push-Button Latch Actuation for Double-Leaf Door Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lever latches are difficult to operate, require excessive force over time, pose safety risks due to narrow gripping spaces, and necessitate two separate operations for opening and closing, which can be uncomfortable and lead to injury.

Innovation Solution

A device using a helical spring to push a latch between extracted and retracted configurations, operated by a button that simplifies the mechanism, allowing single-handed operation and reducing the need for complex finger manipulation, with embodiments adaptable for various door and window applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a lever latch is used with deep and wide gripping spaces, then the latch can be gripped with the last phalanx of a finger, but the manoeuvrability is degraded over time and requires greater force to be applied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegripping easeVSAvoidforce required to operate

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional lever mechanism with a push-button actuation system. The button (11) pivots within the accommodation body (12) and directly actuates the latch (16) through a transmission element (15), eliminating the need for lever rotation and deep gripping spaces. This substitution of mechanical principle resolves the contradiction by providing easy initial operation (pushing a button) while maintaining consistent operation over time without degrading manoeuvrability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a lever latch requires rotation through 180° to switch between extracted and retracted configurations, then the locking mechanism is effective, but the operation becomes difficult and requires excessive force over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking effectivenessVSAvoidoperation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional lever operation principle. Instead of rotating a lever 180° to switch states, the button (11) pivots through a limited arc and actuates the latch through a transmission element (15). The button moves from an initial position to a pressed position, causing the latch to transition between extracted and retracted configurations. This inversion of the mechanical principle maintains reliable locking while dramatically reducing operation difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If two lever latches are used for upper and lower locking points, then comprehensive locking is achieved, but two separate operations are required and the user must bend down uncomfortably

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking coverageVSAvoidoperational comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control of multiple latches (upper and lower) into a single button mechanism. The button (11) with its pivot axis positioned centrally allows simultaneous or sequential actuation of both latches through the transmission element (15). This consolidation maintains comprehensive locking coverage while eliminating the need for separate operations and uncomfortable bending, as the user interacts with a single control point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Volume of moving object

If the gripping spaces are narrow and deep, then the latch structure is compact, but there is a risk of breaking the fingernail or causing injury

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch compactnessVSAvoidinjury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the lever-gripping mechanism with a push-button actuation system. The button (11) is designed to be pressed with the finger pad rather than gripped with the fingernail. The button's surface area and shape are optimized for safe and comfortable operation, eliminating the risk of fingernail breaking or injury while maintaining compact integration within the accommodation body (12).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The device is easier to use, safer, and requires only a single operation for opening, with reduced physical strain, while being structurally simple and cost-effective, capable of controlling both upper and lower latches with a single button.

Implementation Method 1

A device using a helical spring to push a latch between extracted and retracted configurations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHelical spring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2435648B1Device for locking second leaves in the closed configuration

Publication Date: 2019.05.15 RIGO

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AI summary

Device (10) for locking second leaves, for example of a door with two leaves, in the closed configuration, comprising a recessed button (11), which is pivoted to a corresponding accommodation body (12) recessed in the side of a second leaf (13), and which is designed to be pushed in rotation, causing, by means of a transmission element (15), the retraction, towards the inside of the second leaf (13), of a latch (16) that is normally pushed vertically towards the architrave (20) or upper cross-member or towards the floor, in engagement in a corresponding seat (17) for locking the second leaf (13).