Surface-Mounted Electric Strike for Cut-Free Latch Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overhead mounted strikes require extensive cutting and modification of door frames for installation, leading to weakened structures and increased costs, and can result in doors being stuck due to improper latch alignment.
Innovation Solution
A surface mounted electric strike with a keeper that rotates between latched and unlatched positions without requiring frame cuts, using a compact design with an actuating assembly to release the latch, allowing for easy installation and adaptability to 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 cutting and modification of the door header is required for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The electric strike is divided into separate modular components: a strike body that mounts to the door frame, and a keeper assembly that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the strike to be installed without extensive cutting of the door header, as the components can be assembled in place to accommodate the latch position.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric strike is designed with universal mounting capabilities that allow it to work with various latch positions and door configurations. The adjustable keeper assembly can be positioned at different locations along the strike body, providing multi-functionality that eliminates the need for custom-cut headers for each installation scenario.
2Ease of manufacture
If a standard overhead surface mounted strike is used, then installation requires no frame cuts, but the latch may not retract far enough to clear the upper lip of the cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The keeper assembly is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing the position of the keeper relative to the strike cavity to be modified during installation. This dynamic positioning ensures that the keeper can be placed at the optimal location to accommodate the specific retraction distance of the latch, ensuring reliable operation without requiring frame cuts.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric strike allows for parameter changes in the positioning of the keeper assembly along the strike body. By adjusting the longitudinal position of the keeper, the system can adapt to different latch retraction distances, ensuring that the latch can fully clear the upper lip of the cavity while maintaining ease of installation without frame modifications.
3Ease of operation
If significant cuts are made to the door header to accommodate rotating keepers, then adequate clearance is provided for keeper rotation, but the door header is weakened and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keeper assembly is segmented from the strike body, allowing it to be mounted on a separate adjustable mechanism rather than requiring integration into the door header structure. This segmentation eliminates the need for cutting the door header, preserving its structural strength while still providing the necessary clearance for keeper rotation through the adjustable mounting system.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary adjustable mounting mechanism is introduced between the strike body and the door frame. This intermediary component provides the necessary clearance for keeper rotation without requiring direct modification of the door header, thus maintaining the header's structural integrity while enabling the electric strike functionality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the electric strike is designed to accommodate various spaced door latches, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric strike employs a universal adjustable keeper assembly that can be positioned at multiple locations along the strike body. This single multi-functional design allows the same strike unit to accommodate various latch spacings and door configurations, providing adaptability without requiring multiple different strike models or complex specialized components for each configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A surface mounted electric strike for selectively retaining a door latch of a door is provided. A strike housing defines a cavity and is mounted to a door frame surface. A keeper is mounted within the housing and rotatable between a latched position and an unlatched position. The keeper includes a keeper stop face that is disposed at an angle relative to a keeper face to limit the rotation of the keeper about the axis of rotation between about 45-60 degrees when the keeper moves between latched and unlatched positions. An actuating assembly is configured for moving between a first mode and a second mode, wherein when the actuating assembly is in the first mode the keeper is prevented from moving toward the unlatched position, and wherein when the actuating assembly is in the second mode the keeper is permitted to move toward the unlatched position.