Retrofit Latch Adapter for Exit Device Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vertical rod door latches in commercial or public buildings face installation and security challenges, including potential latch bypass and latching failure due to the flexibility of glass doors and the susceptibility of roller latches to force-induced opening.
Innovation Solution
A retrofit latch adapter is introduced, featuring a flat latch head and a latch slide with a biasing member, which is installed by decoupling the pre-existing latch assembly and coupling the retrofit adapter to the transmission of the exit device, providing enhanced security and ease of installation by replacing roller latches while retaining the existing transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a roller latch head is used in a pre-existing exit device, then the installation is simpler, but the security is compromised due to potential latch bypass and force-induced opening
Solution Approach 1:
A retrofit latch adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the existing transmission and the new flat latch head. The adapter includes a body with a bore receiving the transmission rod, a flat latch head extending from the body, and a latch rod connecting the flat latch head to the transmission. This intermediary adapter allows the existing transmission to operate a secure flat latch head without requiring complete replacement of the exit device, thus improving security while maintaining installation simplicity.
2Reliability
If a flat latch head is installed to improve security, then latch bypass is reduced, but the installation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system is segmented into distinct modular components: the existing transmission mechanism, the retrofit latch adapter (which includes the body, flat latch head, and latch rod), and the new flat latch head. This segmentation allows the secure flat latch head to be installed by replacing only the necessary components through the adapter, rather than requiring complete disassembly and replacement of the entire latch assembly, thus maintaining installation ease while improving security.
3Shape
If the latch mechanism is concealed within the housing to maintain aesthetics, then the appearance is improved, but the accessibility for maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The retrofit latch adapter is designed to be nested within the existing exit device housing, with the flat latch head extending from the housing to engage the strike plate. The adapter body fits within the housing bore, and the latch rod operates within the housing interior. This nesting arrangement maintains the clean aesthetic appearance of the exit device while allowing the latch mechanism to be accessed and maintained through the existing service openings, thus achieving both aesthetic improvement and maintenance accessibility.
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 retrofit latch adapter improves security by reducing the risk of latch bypass and latching failure, simplifies installation, and maintains the aesthetics of the exit device by concealing the latch mechanism within the housing.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member configured to bias the latch slide toward the engaged position
Implementation Method 2
the latch slide is moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position
Data Source
AI summary
A retrofit latch adapter is configured to replace a pre-existing roller head latch assembly of a pre-existing exit device. The retrofit latch adapter may include a flat latch head that may provide additional security for a door compared with the pre-existing roller head pre-existing latch assembly. A method of installing such a retrofit latch adapter in a preexisting exist device may include rotationally releasing a pre-existing latch assembly having a roller latch head from the pre-existing exit device; rotating the pre-existing latch assembly to linearly decouple the pre-existing latch assembly from a transmission of the pre-existing exit device; removing the pre-existing latch assembly from the pre-existing exit device; rotating the retrofit latch adapter to linearly couple the retrofit latch adapter to the transmission of the pre-existing exit device; inserting the retrofit latch adapter at least partially into a housing of the pre-existing exit device; aligning the flat latch head with an uppermost portion of the housing of the pre-existing exit device; and rotationally securing the retrofit latch adapter to the pre-existing exit device.