Centered Cylinder Deadbolt Lock Assembly for Left-Right Door Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing deadbolt door lock assemblies require reconfiguration and additional parts to function on both left-hand and right-hand doors, leading to binding issues and user confusion regarding the direction of the locking ring, and they are susceptible to jamming due to non-centered designs.

Innovation Solution

A symmetrical, uni-directional, single-action centered cylinder deadbolt door lock assembly with a keyless operation that allows for easy conversion between left-hand and right-hand doors without reconfiguration, featuring a clockwise-only turning mechanism and a centered key lock cylinder for simplified installation and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a non-centered deadbolt design is used, then the lock can be installed on standard doors, but it requires reconfiguration and extra parts to switch between left-hand and right-hand doors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different door configurationsVSAvoidcomplexity of reconfiguration and parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by designing the deadbolt mechanism with a centered cylinder that can be inverted 180 degrees. The asymmetric feature is the directional orientation of the cylinder relative to the door hinge side, allowing the same lock body to adapt to both left-hand and right-hand doors through simple inversion rather than reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements inversion by allowing the entire deadbolt assembly to be rotated 180 degrees around the centered cylinder axis. This inversion swaps the orientation of the bolt and latch components, enabling the lock to function on opposite door configurations without any disassembly or reconfiguration of internal parts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If a non-centered deadbolt design is used, then the lock can operate on standard doors, but it is susceptible to binding or jamming during unlocking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of locking operationVSAvoidbinding or jamming during operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The centered symmetric design creates symmetrical clearance and alignment relationships between the bolt, cylinder, and door frame, eliminating the asymmetric binding issues that occur in non-centered designs during the locking and unlocking cycle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Ease of operation

If a keyless locking ring is used, then keyless operation from outside is enabled, but users experience confusion about the correct turning direction to lock the door

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of keyless operationVSAvoiduser confusion about locking direction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses visual indicators such as colored markings or directional indicators on the locking ring and door surface to communicate the correct turning direction. This visual information system eliminates user confusion by providing clear, intuitive directional guidance without requiring users to remember or figure out the correct rotation direction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

4Ease of manufacture

If a non-centered deadbolt design is used, then the lock can be installed on standard doors, but it requires pre-installation reconfigurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidtime for pre-installation reconfiguration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the deadbolt mechanism at the factory with a centered cylinder design that is universally compatible with both left-hand and right-hand doors. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for on-site reconfiguration, allowing installers to simply mount the lock and invert it as needed without any disassembly or adjustment of internal components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10017962B2Symmetrical uni-directional single action centered cylinder keyless deadbolt door lock assembly for right or left hand hung doors

Publication Date: 2018.07.10 EASYLOCK LLC A TX LLC

AI summary

A door lock assembly operates a deadbolt between unlocked and locked positions. It includes a key cylinder having a central axis, a torque blade extending from said cylinder upon said center axis, an actuator interlock mechanism operatively connected with the door lock assembly and provided for pivoting upon the torque blade, a ring, pivotally mounted to the door lock assembly, and incorporating a post, the actuator interlock mechanism having a radially extending arm, being bifurcated at its end, for locating upon the ring post, such that upon turning of the ring the actuator interlock mechanism turns the torque blade; a latch bolt assembly, including a deadbolt, the torque blade extending through the latch bolt assembly, and pivoting a latch operator that extends the deadbolt for shifting into a locked or unlocked position, during usage of the door lock assembly.