Hinged Sidelight Panel Latch Mechanism with 90-Degree Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hinged sidelight panels are limited in availability due to undesirable hardware options that have an aesthetically unappealing appearance and require an obtuse angle of rotation, preventing the use of longer handles and additional security features not needed for side light applications.
Innovation Solution
A sidelight securing mechanism using a single handle to operate a center latch bolt and remote locking mechanisms within a 90° rotation range, allowing for a lever handle that indicates engagement status and enabling secure closure and opening without unnecessary features, utilizing a center cassette with spring-loaded latch bolts and remote locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a thumb turn knob mechanism is used for hinged sidelight panels, then the latching and securing operation can be performed, but the obtuse angle of rotation (approximately 135°) required for activation prevents the use of a longer handle and creates an aesthetically unappealing appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the rotation angle parameter from the conventional obtuse angle (approximately 135°) to a right angle (90°). This parameter change allows the handle to rotate through a smaller, more aesthetically pleasing angle while still effectively engaging and disengaging the latch mechanism, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and handle configuration.
2Reliability
If entry door features such as deadbolt and anti slam devices are added to hinged sidelight panels, then enhanced security is provided, but these features are unnecessary for side light applications and increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary entry door features (deadbolt, anti slam devices) from the hinged sidelight panel system, retaining only the essential latching and securing functions needed for side light applications. This extraction reduces device complexity while maintaining adequate security performance for the intended use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional latch mechanism that can operate in different modes: center latch bolt engagement for basic closure, remote locking mechanisms for enhanced security, and combination operation for maximum security. This universal design allows the system to provide appropriate security levels without requiring all possible security features, thereby reducing overall complexity.
3Device complexity
If a single handle operates both center latch bolt and remote locking mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but the handle must accommodate multiple engagement states within a limited rotation range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the latch mechanism into distinct components (center latch bolt and remote locking mechanisms) that can be independently engaged and disengaged. This segmentation allows the single handle to control multiple functions through precise angular positioning, with each segment responding to specific portions of the rotation cycle, thereby maintaining ease of operation despite the multi-functionality.
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
Enables secure operation of hinged sidelight panels with a visually indicative lever handle, allowing for secure closure and easy opening while avoiding interference with the door frame, and providing enhanced security options without the need for unneeded features.
Implementation Method 1
The center latch bolt is tapered and spring loaded and will automatically retract when contacting the strike plate and then engage the strike plate once the hinged sidelight panel is fully closed.
Data Source
AI summary
A securing mechanism for a hinged sidelight panel. The securing mechanism includes a center latch bolt for latching the hinged sidelight panel and remote locking mechanisms for locking the hinged sidelight panel. A single lever handle is used to selectively retract the remote locking mechanisms and the latch bolt. At a first orientation of the handle, both the remote locking mechanisms and the latch bolt are engaged. At a second orientation of the handle, the latch bolt remains engaged, but the remote locking mechanisms retracted. At a third orientation, both the remote locking mechanisms and the latch bolt are disengaged. The orientation of the handle informs an observer whether the locks are engaged. In one embodiment, the full rotation is about 90°, enabling the use of longer lever handles without interference from door frames.