Spring-Actuated Dead Bolt Latch Backset Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dead bolt latches are cumbersome for unskilled installers to adjust between standardized backset measurements, requiring complex mechanisms that are difficult to operate.
Innovation Solution
A dead bolt latch design featuring a spring mechanism that allows easy adjustment between backset positions by blocking the bolt and turning the latch operator, facilitating automatic adjustment even by unskilled installers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a helical slot and projection mechanism is used for backset adjustment, then the latch can be adjusted between forward and rear backset positions, but the adjustment becomes cumbersome and difficult for unskilled persons to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism automatically moves the bolt to the correct backset position when the latch operator is rotated during installation. The spring stores energy when the bolt is blocked, and this stored energy automatically propels the bolt to the forward or rear backset position, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment procedures by unskilled installers
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as an intermediary between the bolt and the latch operator rotation. When the installer blocks the bolt and rotates the latch operator, the spring mediates the force transmission, converting the rotational motion into linear bolt movement to achieve backset adjustment automatically
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex helical slot and projection mechanism is used for backset adjustment, then the latch can be adjusted between backset positions, but the device complexity increases making it harder to install
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the complex helical slot and projection mechanism and replaces it with a simple spring mechanism. This removal of unnecessary complexity maintains the backset adjustment capability while significantly simplifying the overall device structure, making it easier to install for unskilled persons
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism changes the physical state or parameters of the system by using elastic potential energy storage and release. Instead of relying on complex geometric interlocking, the system uses spring compression and expansion to achieve the same backset adjustment function with simpler components
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 latch is easily adjustable, secure, and meets Grade 1 requirements by American National Standards Institute, suitable for both original and replacement installations, and can be installed by those without expertise.
Implementation Method 1
a spring seated between the bolt and latch operator. When the latch is being installed and needs to be adjusted between backset positions, the installer blocks movement of the bolt and then, by turning the latch operator, can move the relative position of the latch operator and bolt between backset positions using the force of the spring
Data Source
AI summary
A dead bolt latch (10) readily adjustable between forward and rear backset positions. A bolt casing (56) connects to a faceplate (48) installed on an outer face of a door (D). A bolt (15) fitting within the casing extends and retracts to latch or unlatch the door. A latch operator (12) and the bolt casing each have slots (64, 78) of a length corresponding to the distance between the backset positions, and a spring (72) seats between the bolt and latch operator. When the latch is being installed and needs to be adjusted between backset positions, the installer blocks movement of the bolt and then, by turning the latch operator, moves the relative position of the latch operator and bolt between backset positions using the force of the spring. This facilitates latch adjustment even by relatively unskilled installers.