Sliding Deadbolt Linear Actuator for Arthritis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional deadbolts require rotation of a turn-piece, which can be aesthetically unappealing and difficult for individuals with wrist arthritis, as they need to over-rotate to precisely position the bolt for locking and unlocking.

Innovation Solution

A deadbolt design featuring a manual actuator that slides in linear movements, either horizontally or vertically, to operate the bolt between retracted and extended positions, eliminating the need for rotational motion and improving usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a turn-piece is used for operating the deadbolt, then the bolt can be extended and retracted, but the turn-piece requires over-rotation which degrades aesthetic appearance and makes operation difficult for individuals with arthritis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional rotational motion mechanism by implementing a linear sliding motion instead. The actuator moves in a straight line (horizontally or vertically) to operate the bolt, eliminating the need for over-rotation and precise angular positioning required by traditional turn-pieces. This inversion of the motion type directly addresses the ease of operation for individuals with arthritis while maintaining functional effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the motion parameter from rotational (angular displacement) to linear (translational displacement). Instead of requiring the user to rotate the actuator through a specific angle range, the new design requires only linear movement along a straight path. This parameter change simplifies the operation for users with limited wrist rotation capability while preserving the bolt's locking and unlocking functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Shape

If a turn-piece is used for operating the deadbolt, then the bolt can be extended and retracted, but the turn-piece requires over-rotation which degrades aesthetic appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If a linear sliding actuator is used instead of a turn-piece, then aesthetic appearance and ease of operation are improved, but the mechanism requires conversion from rotational to linear motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the traditional rotational mechanical system with a linear sliding mechanical system. The actuator, driver, cam, and latch shaft components work together to convert the simple linear motion of the actuator into the rotational motion needed to operate the bolt. This substitution eliminates the need for complex rotational mechanisms while achieving the same functional outcome through a simpler linear motion basis.

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

Enhances the aesthetic appearance and operational ease, particularly for individuals with wrist arthritis, by allowing linear movement to lock and unlock doors without the need for precise rotational positioning.

Implementation Method 1

a cam engaged between first and second pivot points of the driver, and structured to rotate in clockwise and counterclockwise directions from the driver sliding in the first and second linear directions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 2

a linear gear attached to the manual actuator; a circular gear engaged with the linear gear such that the linear gear causes the circular gear to rotate in clockwise and counterclockwise directions when the manual actuator is operated to slide in the first and second linear directions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS12116804B2Sliding deadbolt

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 ASSA ABLOY AMERICAS RESIDENTIAL INC

AI summary

A deadbolt includes a bolt assembly structured to mount inside a cavity between interior and exterior sides of a door. The bolt assembly includes a bolt housed inside a deadbolt latch. An exterior assembly is structured to mount onto the exterior side of the door. The exterior assembly is operably connected to the deadbolt latch to move the bolt between a retracted position and an extended position. An interior assembly is structured to mount onto the interior side of the door. The interior assembly is operably connected to the deadbolt latch and includes a manual actuator being operable to slide in opposite first and second linear directions causing the deadbolt latch to move the bolt between the retracted and extended positions.