Reinforced Door Lock Antipanic Bolt Retraction Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locks for reinforced doors do not allow for bolt retraction via handle operation, which is necessary for antipanic functions, and existing solutions that do require modifications to fit standard locks are bulky and not universally applicable.
Innovation Solution
A lock design with a box-like containment body and a rotating element with mirror-symmetrical jaws that allows bolt retraction by handle rotation, maintaining standard dimensions and enabling antipanic function without requiring door modifications, using a translational motion of a plate and carousel mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock is designed to retract bolts by handle rotation for antipanic function, then safety and usability are improved, but the lock requires a box-like containment body that is very large, making it incompatible with standard reinforced doors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the carousel mechanism inside the box-like body, with the stem and slot mechanism nested within the carousel structure. The laminar element is nested within the bolt assembly, allowing compact integration of multiple functional components within a reduced overall volume, enabling the lock to fit standard reinforced doors while maintaining antipanic functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a purely translational sliding plate mechanism to a rotational carousel mechanism with radial slots. This dimensional change allows the bolt retraction function to be achieved through rotational motion of the carousel rather than linear displacement of a large sliding plate, significantly reducing the required lock body volume while maintaining the antipanic function
2Device complexity
If a lock uses a sliding plate with translational motion to retract the bolt, then the mechanism is simple, but the plate requires large space to move, increasing the lock body size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the translational sliding plate mechanism with a rotational carousel mechanism. The slot in the laminar element changes from a linear guide to a radial slot in the carousel, converting the motion from linear to rotational. This dimensional transformation allows the same bolt retraction function to be achieved with significantly reduced spatial requirements, as rotational motion can be accomplished within a compact circular footprint rather than requiring linear travel space
3Ease of operation
If the lock allows bolt retraction by handle rotation, then ease of operation is improved, but the mechanism requires multiple associated components increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bolt retraction function with the handle rotation operation by directly coupling the carousel to the handle stem. The carousel is pivoted to the box-like body and engages the stem, so that handle rotation automatically drives the carousel and retractors the bolt through the slot mechanism. This integration eliminates the need for separate actuating mechanisms, reducing overall component complexity while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The carousel mechanism serves multiple functions: it converts rotational handle motion into bolt retraction, provides the mechanical linkage between handle and bolt, and enables the antipanic function. The slot in the laminar element simultaneously guides the retraction motion and engages with the carousel stem, combining guiding and actuating functions in a single feature, thereby reducing the total number of components required
Data Source
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AI summary
A lock (1) for reinforced doors and the like, of the type that comprises a box-like containment body (2) which has suitable lateral openings (7) for the passage of at least one latch and at least one bolt (8), the box-like body accommodating a plurality of substantially laminar elements which are functionally associated with a cylinder, which is actuated by a respective key, and a rotating element (10) for the engagement of a handle, which is associated with the at least one latch by means of lever systems and is designed to move the latch. The lock (1) further comprises a plate (11) which performs a translational motion substantially parallel to a face (3) of the box-like body (2), having an upper end (11a) which faces and lies proximate to a protrusion (11b) of the rotating element (10) and a lower seat for the engagement of a stem which is rigidly coupled to a carousel (12) which is pivoted, in another point, to the box-like body (2), the carousel (12) accommodating a second stem the free end of which is engaged within a slot of the laminar element (13) which is rigidly coupled to the' at least one bolt (8) which is functionally associated with the cylinder, the rotation of the handle and therefore of the respective rotating element (10) producing a translational motion of the plate (11), a rotation of the carousel (12) and a translational motion of the laminar element (13), with consequent retraction of the at least one bolt (8).