Remotely Operated Locking Paddle Handle Latch Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paddle handle assemblies for recreational vehicles and motor homes are not well adapted for use with remotely operated power actuators, lacking the necessary functionality for remote operation and secure locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operated locking paddle handle assembly with a housing, pivotally mounted paddle handle, operably connected latch, key lock, deadbolt lock, and a remotely controlled actuator that allows for secure locking and unlocking from a remote location, enhancing accessibility and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a traditional paddle handle assembly is used, then the closure can be operated from both inside and outside the vehicle, but it cannot be operated remotely and lacks integration with power actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a paddle handle for manual operation, a deadbolt lock for secure locking, and a latch bolt for engagement. This segmentation allows each component to be independently controlled, enabling remote operation of the deadbolt via power actuator while maintaining manual operation of the paddle handle, thus achieving remote automation without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides mounting for the paddle handle, accommodates the latch mechanism, houses the deadbolt lock, and integrates the power actuator interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural components, allowing remote operation capability to be added without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If a deadbolt lock is added for maximum security, then security is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deadbolt lock is merged with the existing paddle handle assembly housing and is operably connected to the latch mechanism. The deadbolt shares the same housing structure and control linkage as the latch, so that a single operational action (manual or powered) controls both the latch bolt and deadbolt simultaneously. This merging provides enhanced security while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a remotely operated controller is added, then remote locking and unlocking is enabled, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A power actuator serves as an intermediary device between the remote controller and the deadbolt lock mechanism. The power actuator converts electrical signals from the remote controller into mechanical motion that operates the deadbolt. This intermediary approach enables remote operation convenience while keeping the actual lock mechanism simple and cost-effective to manufacture, as the complex remote control electronics are separate from the mechanical latch assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking paddle handle assembly for closures has a housing with a paddle handle pivotally mounted therein, a latch which latches and unlatches the closure upon rotation of the paddle handle, and a exterior key lock with a movable member that shifts between locked and unlocked positions. A deadbolt lock selectively engages the closure frame in the locked position to positively retain the closure closed. The deadbolt lock is operably connected with the movable key lock member, such that movement of the latter between the latched and unlatched positions contemporaneously shifts the deadbolt lock between the locked and unlocked positions. A remotely operable controller is operably connected with the deadbolt lock to power shift the same between the locked and unlocked positions from a remote location.