Sliding Door Lock Assembly for Glass-Safe Retrofit Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding door locks face challenges in retrofitting due to unique configurations from different manufacturers, and modifying the glass pane to accommodate a secondary locking mechanism can compromise its structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A pre-aligned locking assembly is provided with a strike plate and lock module, joined by a releasable coupler, featuring a bolt that extends into a pocket for alignment, and operated by an electronic actuator controlled by a control assembly, allowing for easy installation without drilling into the glass pane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secondary locking mechanism is retrofitted to sliding doors, then security is improved, but installation complexity increases due to unique frame configurations from different manufacturers
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is designed with a universal strike plate that can accommodate different frame configurations through adjustable positioning features. The strike plate includes a pocket with multiple alignment holes and adjustable depth positions, allowing the same locking mechanism to be installed on various manufacturer-specific door frames without requiring custom modifications for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly is divided into separate modular components: a strike plate that mounts to the frame, a lock module that contains the bolt mechanism, and a glass pane mounting portion. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted and positioned to fit different frame configurations, simplifying the retrofit installation process while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If the glass pane is modified to accommodate a secondary locking mechanism, then locking functionality is improved, but structural integrity of the glass deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is extracted from the glass pane itself and relocated to the frame structure. The strike plate mounts to the door frame, and the lock module engages with the frame rather than requiring direct attachment to the glass. This extraction eliminates the need to drill holes or modify the glass pane, preserving its structural integrity while providing secondary locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The strike plate serves as an intermediary component between the locking mechanism and the door frame. Instead of directly attaching the lock to the glass pane, the strike plate is mounted to the frame structure and provides the engagement point for the bolt, thereby protecting the glass from direct mechanical modification while enabling locking functionality.
3Ease of operation
If a pre-aligned locking assembly is used, then installation ease is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The strike plate and lock module are pre-aligned during manufacturing with precision-machined alignment features including positioned holes and guide surfaces. This preliminary alignment work is performed under controlled factory conditions where precision tools and fixtures can ensure accurate positioning, rather than requiring field alignment during installation. The pre-aligned components are then easily assembled on-site using simple fastening operations.
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 solution ensures secure and efficient secondary locking without damaging the glass pane, facilitating easy installation and alignment, enhancing security and usability of sliding doors.
Implementation Method 1
placing a first adhesive on a first surface of a strike plate... placing a second adhesive on a first surface of a lock module... releasably joining the strike plate and the lock module
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary method includes placing a first adhesive on a first surface of a strike plate, wherein the strike plate includes a pocket extending into a second surface of the strike plate opposite the first surface of the strike plate. The method further includes placing a second adhesive on a first surface of a lock module, wherein the lock module includes a bolt operable to extend beyond a second surface of the lock module. The method further includes aligning the pocket with the bolt such that the bolt is operable to extend into the pocket; and with the pocket and the bolt aligned with one another, releasably joining the strike plate and the lock module with a releasable coupler, thereby forming an aligned locking assembly.