Surface-Mounted Electric Strike for Variable Door Latch Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door locking devices, particularly overhead mounted strikes, face installation challenges due to the need for extensive modifications of the door frame, which weaken the structure and increase installation time and cost, especially when used with frameless glass doors or double doors with tubular door handles.
Innovation Solution
A modular, surface-mounted electric strike system with adjustable keeper assemblies and actuator assemblies that can be mounted without cutting the door frame, allowing for flexible installation and compatibility with various door latch spacings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a prior art electric strike with rotating keepers is used, then the latch can be released without manual handle depression, but extensive cuts must be made to the door header which weakens the structure and increases installation time
Solution Approach 1:
The electric strike is divided into separate modular components: a strike body that mounts to the door frame and keeper assemblies that are independently positioned and attached. This segmentation eliminates the need for extensive header cutting while maintaining the automated latch release function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a traditional in-header mounted strike to a surface-mounted configuration on the door frame face. This dimensional change allows the strike to be installed without cutting into the header, preserving structural integrity while providing the same latch release functionality.
2Reliability
If a standard overhead surface mounted strike is used, then the door can be secured in closed position, but the vertical thickness of the strike exceeds the vertical travel of the latch causing potential trapping hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The keeper assemblies are designed with rotatable elements that can dynamically adjust their position. The keepers can rotate between engaged and disengaged positions, allowing the latch to clear the upper lip during manual operation while maintaining secure engagement when locked, thus eliminating the trapping hazard.
Solution Approach 2:
The keeper assembly acts as an intermediary between the strike body and the latch. It provides a controlled interface that allows the latch to pass through during manual operation while maintaining secure engagement during locked operation, mediating between the conflicting requirements of security and safe operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive cuts are made to the door header to accommodate rotating keepers, then the electric strike can be installed, but the door frame structure is weakened and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strike body is pre-configured with mounting features and the keeper assemblies are pre-assembled with their mounting brackets. This preliminary preparation allows for quick installation using simple fastening operations rather than extensive cutting, maintaining header strength while achieving versatile installation capability.
4Ease of manufacture
If a fixed configuration electric strike is used, then the installation is straightforward, but it cannot accommodate various spaced door latches especially in double door applications
Solution Approach 1:
The keeper assemblies can be positioned at different locations on the strike body and attached at various spacings to accommodate different latch configurations. This dynamic adjustability allows a single strike body design to serve multiple door and latch spacing requirements while maintaining simple installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The strike body is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple keeper assemblies at different positions and orientations. This multi-functional design allows the same basic structure to serve single doors, double doors, and various latch spacing requirements without requiring custom designs for each application.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular surface mounted electric strike system is provided. The system comprises a universal base plate configured to be mounted to a door frame and including first and second mounting points. The system further includes an electric strike module configured to receive the door latch and includes a keeper assembly and an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly is configured for moving between a first mode for preventing the keeper assembly from moving toward an unlatched position and a second mode for permitting the keeper assembly to move toward the unlatched position. When the door latch is in a first position relative to the door frame, the electric strike module is attached to the first mounting point. When the door latch is in a second position relative to the door frame, the electric strike module is attached to the second mounting point of the universal base plate.