Self-Adjusting Striker for Dimensional Tolerance Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adjustable strikers for frames require frequent monitoring and adjustment to maintain optimal locking, leading to increased operational costs and potential locking faults due to dimensional changes over time.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable striker with a self-adjusting stopping member and return spring that automatically adjusts its position relative to the retractable bolt, ensuring optimal locking without manual intervention, utilizing retaining and hooking teeth for secure engagement and disengagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed strike plate is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the locking mechanism fails when dimensional changes occur over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidstrike plate structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The strike plate incorporates a movable stop element that can adjust its position dynamically within the housing. The stop element is constrained by guide surfaces and retaining teeth to move only in the adjustment direction, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to dimensional changes while maintaining reliable locking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The strike plate uses a self-adjusting mechanism where the stop element automatically positions itself relative to the retractable bolt through guided movement. The retaining teeth and guide surfaces enable the stop to self-correct its position without external intervention, ensuring continuous locking reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual adjustment of the strike plate is implemented, then locking reliability improves, but monitoring requirements and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidmonitoring requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The strike plate employs a self-adjusting stop element that automatically compensates for dimensional changes between the frame and sash. The guided movement mechanism and retaining teeth enable the stop to self-correct its position without requiring manual monitoring or adjustment, reducing operational costs while maintaining locking reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the stop element is made adjustable with retaining teeth, then adaptability to dimensional changes improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to dimensional changesVSAvoidinternal mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stop element is designed to move dynamically within the housing along guided surfaces, enabling adaptation to dimensional changes. The guide surfaces constrain movement to the necessary adjustment direction, while retaining teeth provide discrete positioning, achieving adaptability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The strike plate is segmented into distinct functional components: the housing, the movable stop element, guide surfaces, and retaining teeth. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving adaptability through coordinated operation of simple individual parts rather than a complex integrated mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 self-adjusting mechanism ensures reliable closure and locking of the leaf in the frame, reducing monitoring needs and operational costs while maintaining effective locking performance despite dimensional changes, applicable to various frames including anti-panic devices.

Implementation Method 1

a return spring (56) mounted inside said housing to extend the stopping member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the said stop member has hooking teeth (70) extending into one of the said sides, and the said stop member is adapted to be retracted inside the said housing... while the said hooking teeth engage with the said retaining teeth to prevent the retraction of the said stop member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4144941B1Adjustable striker
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 LA CROISEE DS
  • EP4144941B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4144941B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4144941B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an adjustable strike plate comprising a housing (12) adapted for mounting on a frame, said frame being suitable for receiving a door leaf equipped with a retractable bolt (78). The strike plate includes a stop (14) having a front edge (30) and two opposing sides (32, 34), one (32) of said sides being adapted to receive said retractable bolt (78) against its stop to cause its retraction, while said bolt returns to rest against the other (34) side. Said housing (12) has a bearing face (28) provided with retaining teeth (62), and said stop (14) has engagement teeth (70) extending into said one (32) of said sides.The said stop member (14) is adapted to be retracted when the said bolt (78) comes to rest against the said one (32) of the said sides and then to extend to come into contact with the said bolt (78), while the said hooking teeth (70) engage with the said retaining teeth (62) to prevent the retraction of the said stop member (14).