Automatic Door Lock Hook Mechanism for Rapid Secure Closure

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locks are cumbersome and inefficient for quick, secure closure, particularly in emergency situations, and can be easily compromised by unauthorized access.

Innovation Solution

A lock mechanism with an automatic movement assembly that transitions hooks from an opening to a closing configuration upon door closure, using elastic means and guiding members to ensure secure, rapid locking without manual key operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual key operation is required to close the lock, then security is improved, but operation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism performs preliminary actions by automatically engaging the hook into the locking position when the door closes, eliminating the need for manual key operation to initiate locking. The spring-loaded hook is pre-positioned to automatically engage with the locking surface, providing both speed and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The lock system serves itself by using the door's closing motion to trigger the automatic locking mechanism. The spring-loaded hook automatically engages with the locking surface without requiring human intervention, making the system self-activating while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual key operation is required to close the lock, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidease of closure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lock system serves itself by using the door's closing motion to trigger the automatic locking mechanism. The spring-loaded hook automatically engages with the locking surface without requiring human intervention, making the system self-activating while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual key-turning mechanism is replaced with an automatic spring-loaded hook system that uses elastic potential energy and mechanical leverage to achieve locking. This substitution eliminates the need for key manipulation while maintaining secure engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the handle is easily releasable for quick opening, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of openingVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism incorporates dynamic elements where the spring-loaded hook can be quickly disengaged by applying force to the handle, allowing rapid opening from the inside. Simultaneously, the hook's design ensures secure engagement with the locking surface from the outside, creating different operational characteristics for different directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism works differently depending on the direction of force applied. From the inside, the handle can quickly release the hook, but from the outside, the hook securely engages with the locking surface, preventing unauthorized entry. This inversion of operational ease based on direction provides both security and convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Reliability

If multiple key rotations are required to close the lock, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex multi-rotation key mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simple spring-loaded hook system. The essential locking function is retained through the hook's engagement with the locking surface, while the unnecessary complexity of multiple key rotations is removed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual key-turning mechanism is replaced with an automatic spring-loaded hook system that uses elastic potential energy and mechanical leverage to achieve locking. This substitution eliminates the need for key manipulation while maintaining secure engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables fast, secure, and practical closure and opening of doors without manual key operations, enhancing safety in emergencies and preventing unauthorized access.

Implementation Method 1

The spring latch is pre-stressed in a locked position. The spring latch is movable in an opening direction of the locking rod against a spring force such that an automatic movement of said latch from said opening configuration to said closing configuration is performed.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The automatic movement assembly is automatically movable from a transitional configuration, wherein the abutment portion abuts against the stop portion and the hook is moved away from a predefined home position, to a locking configuration, wherein the abutment portion is moved away from the stop portion and the hook is placed at the predefined home position.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic energy storage and release: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4025754B1lock
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 FEDELI BENEDETTO
  • EP4025754B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4025754B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4025754B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The lock (1) comprises: at least one fastening device (2) positioned on a first portion (3) of a window/door (4) adapted to stop against a second portion (5) of the window/door (4), provided with at least one sliding element (8) and with at least one hook (10) associated with the sliding element (8); at least one fastening seat (11) associated with the second portion (5) of the window/door (4) and adapted to receive the hook (10); at least one control device (12) to move the hook (10) between an opening configuration, wherein the hook (10) is disengaged from the fastening seat (11), and a closing configuration, wherein the hook (10) is inserted in the fastening seat (11); wherein it comprises at least one automatic movement assembly (17, 18, 20, 21) of the hook (10) from the opening configuration to the closing configuration provided with: at least one stop portion (17) made on the hook (10); at least one abutment portion (18) of the stop portion (17), made on the fastening seat (11) to automatically move the hook (10) from the opening configuration to the closing configuration.