Anti-panic Lock Electronic Module Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical locks with electronic modules often affect the entire lock mechanism and require additional components like door openers, which increase construction volume and complexity, and lack the ability to provide a high holding force without modifying the door frame.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical lock with an integrated electronic module that prevents purely mechanical door opening by using a switchable displacement element or displaceable electronic module blocking element, allowing electronic control of the lock latch, thereby eliminating the need for separate door openers and enhancing security with a higher holding force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an electronic add-on module is integrated into the lock housing to prevent purely mechanical door opening, then security is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic add-on module is integrated into the existing lock housing, merging electronic security functions with the mechanical locking system. This combination prevents purely mechanical door opening while utilizing the existing structural space, thereby improving security without proportionally increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock housing serves multiple functions: it houses both the mechanical lock mechanism and the electronic add-on module. This multi-functionality allows the single housing to provide both mechanical locking and electronic security control, improving reliability while avoiding the need for separate housing structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a separate door opener is used to provide electronic door opening, then door opening functionality is improved, but the construction volume increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor opening functionalityVSAvoidconstruction volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The door opening function is merged into the lock mechanism itself. The lock mechanism includes a blocking element that can be actuated to release the latch, providing electronic door opening functionality without requiring a separate door opener device. This integration reduces construction volume while maintaining full door opening capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides mechanical locking, electronic security control through the add-on module, and electronic door opening through the blocking element actuation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate door opening components, reducing overall construction volume

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Extent of automation

If the electronic add-on module controls the entire lock mechanism, then automation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveautomationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock system is segmented into independent functional modules: the mechanical lock mechanism with latch and blocking element, and the electronic add-on module. The electronic module selectively controls specific components (latch and/or blocking element) rather than the entire mechanism, providing targeted automation while maintaining modularity and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic add-on module provides dynamic, selective control over the locking system. It can independently actuate the latch release and/or blocking element displacement based on security requirements, enabling flexible automation scenarios without requiring complex control logic for the entire mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4397828A1Anti-panic lock with escape door opener
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 ASSA ABLOY SICHERHEITSTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP4397828A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4397828A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4397828A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A lock (1) with an electronic add-on module (2) is proposed, wherein the lock (1) has a lock housing (10) and a lock mechanism arranged therein with a lockable latch (11), and the lock (1) has a blocking element (12) movable by the lock mechanism, and wherein the blocking element (12) can be moved by the lock mechanism into a blocking position, and wherein the blocking element (12) can be moved by the lock mechanism into a release position in which the latch (11) is pivotable and translationally displaceable, and wherein the electronic add-on module (2) is arranged in the lock housing (10).The essential point is that the electronic add-on module (2) prevents a purely mechanical opening of the door (3) by having a switchable displacement element (25) which prevents or allows displacement of the blocking element (12) by the lock mechanism, and/or that the electronic add-on module (2) has a displaceable electronic module blocking element (20) which prevents or allows displacement of the lock latch (11).