Trigger Handleset with Concealed Pivot and Integrated Latch Driver

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door handlesets with trigger mechanisms are often visually unappealing, require significant push force for actuation, and have insecure pivot points located outside the escutcheon, which can be breakable and obstructive.

Innovation Solution

A latching handleset assembly with a pivotable trigger obscured by the handle portion, featuring a latch driver that moves between neutral and actuating positions within the escutcheon, allowing for secure and aesthetically pleasing operation with reduced complexity and linkage requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the trigger pivot point is located outside the escutcheon for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security and structural integrity deteriorate due to breakable and insecure pivot points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrigger actuationVSAvoidpivot point security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger pivot point is nested within the escutcheon structure, specifically positioned in a recessed area of the escutcheon body. This nesting approach allows the pivot point to be concealed and protected within the escutcheon while still enabling trigger actuation from the exterior, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The escutcheon acts as an intermediary structure that houses the pivot point internally while providing exterior access through its surface. This mediator approach allows the pivot point to be both secure (hidden within the escutcheon) and accessible (reachable from outside), resolving the security-ease of operation contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the trigger mechanism is fully exposed for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the visual appeal deteriorates due to unappealing appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrigger accessibilityVSAvoidvisual appeal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger mechanism is nested within the escutcheon structure, with the pivot point and trigger linkage concealed inside the escutcheon body. Only the necessary exterior portion of the trigger is accessible from outside, creating a clean, integrated appearance while maintaining operational accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The escutcheon surface is designed with local quality variations, including recessed areas that provide subtle access points for the trigger while maintaining an overall smooth, appealing appearance. The trigger mechanism is concealed within these localized areas rather than being fully exposed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the latch mechanism uses a separate thumbpiece mounted above the handle, then the ease of operation is improved, but the visual appeal and structural complexity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch actuationVSAvoidcomponent integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch actuation function is merged with the handle assembly. The trigger mechanism is integrated into the handle structure rather than being a separate thumbpiece mounted above the handle. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the ability to actuate the latch, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle assembly is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the primary handle and as the mounting structure for the latch actuation mechanism. The trigger is positioned on the handle itself, allowing the handle to perform both gripping and latch actuation functions, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides a secure, easy-to-use, and visually appealing door handleset that maintains security features while simplifying user operation and enhancing the overall functionality of the trigger-actuated mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

The trigger is pivotable about a pivot point positioned within the escutcheon. Pivoting the trigger causes the interior end of the trigger located within the escutcheon to actuate the latch driver.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS11549290B2Locking assembly with trigger handle

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 ASSA ABLOY AMERICAS RESIDENTIAL INC

AI summary

A latching handleset assembly includes a handle, a trigger, and a latch driver. The handle has a handle portion and a top mounting portion that extends from an escutcheon. The top mounting portion has a top surface and a bottom that is at least partially obscured by the handle portion. The trigger includes an exterior end located along the bottom of the top mounting portion and an interior end extending into the escutcheon. The trigger is pivotable about a pivot point positioned within the escutcheon. The latch driver is movable between a neutral position and a latch actuating position in response to actuation of the trigger.