Surface-Mount Multipoint Locking System for Double Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-point locking systems for double swinging doors require extensive and costly preparation of door edges for installation, and there is a need for a surface-mounting solution that provides enhanced security without custom edge preparation.
Innovation Solution
A surface-mounting multi-point locking system featuring an astragal with spaced openings on the inactive panel and a locking mechanism with movable latch bolts in an elongated housing on the active panel, allowing for secure engagement without internal recesses or special edge preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If recessed multi-point locking systems are installed within door edges, then security is enhanced through multiple locking points, but installation becomes difficult and costly due to extensive custom edge preparation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of recessing the locking mechanism into the door edge, the patent inverts the approach by mounting the locking mechanism externally on the surface of the door. The actuating mechanism and latch bolts are positioned outside the door edge, eliminating the need for complex recesses while maintaining the multi-point locking function. This surface-mounting approach resolves the contradiction by providing enhanced security through multiple locking points without requiring difficult custom edge preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional edge-mounted locking system to a surface-mounted system that utilizes the third dimension (protruding from the door surface). The elongated housing and actuating mechanism extend outward from the door surface, allowing the locking points to be distributed along the surface rather than confined to the edge. This dimensional change enables easier installation while maintaining security through multiple engagement points.
2Reliability
If vertically sliding bolts are internally mounted within pockets or recesses in the door panel, then the locking function is achieved, but the door edge requires special preparation through routing, milling, or chiseling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking mechanism from the traditional recessed position within the door edge and relocates it to the external surface. The actuating mechanism and latch bolts are mounted on the surface rather than being hidden within pockets, eliminating the need for routing, milling, or chiseling the door edge. This extraction resolves the contradiction by maintaining the locking function while removing the complex door edge preparation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface-mounted locking mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-aligning on the door surface. The elongated housing with its mounting surface automatically positions the actuating mechanism and latch bolts without requiring pre-prepared recesses or pockets. The system serves itself by creating its own mounting interface on the plain door surface, eliminating the need for complex preparatory work on the door edge.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple astragal is used without internal locking hardware, then installation is simplified, but separate locking hardware is required and the inactive panel cannot be fixed in a closed position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the astragal (stop) function with the locking mechanism into a single integrated component. The surface-mounted locking system includes both the stop that prevents the door from swinging past closed and the actuating mechanism with latch bolts that secure the door in the closed position. This combination resolves the contradiction by maintaining installation simplicity similar to a simple astragal while providing the closure fixation capability that would otherwise require separate locking hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface-mounted locking mechanism performs multiple functions: it acts as a stop to prevent over-swinging, provides multi-point latching through vertically spaced latch bolts, and offers actuation through the external mechanism. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by combining the simplicity of a basic astragal with the security and closure fixation of a complete locking system, eliminating the need for separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A surface-mounting multipoint lock includes an elongated housing having a lower end, an upper end, and a mounting member. The lock is configured for attachment along and external to a non-hinged vertical edge of a swinging panel along substantially a full extent of the non-hinged vertical edge. A plurality of spaced latch bolts in the housing include an upper latch bolt proximate to the upper end of the housing, and a lower latch bolt proximate to the lower end of the housing. The latch bolts are substantially laterally movable between a locked position and an unlocked position.