Combination Lock Dogging Operator for Exit Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exit devices require a removable dogging key for changing the dogging state, which may not be readily available, leading to security concerns and potential damage from improper use.
Innovation Solution
An exit device with a combination lock dogging operator that allows authorized personnel to locally change the dogging state without a removable key, reducing the risk of damage by integrating a dogging mechanism with a combination lock that can be operated using a combination lock hub to switch between un-dogged and dogged states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a removable dogging key is used to operate the dogging mechanism, then the dogging state can be changed, but the key may not be readily available and improper use may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The combination lock hub is integrated directly into the dogging mechanism, merging the locking function with the dogging operation. This eliminates the separate removable key and ensures that only proper combination input can actuate the dogging mechanism, preventing improper use while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination lock hub allows authorized personnel to operate the dogging mechanism themselves without needing to retrieve or carry a separate key. The system serves itself by having the operational control built into the mechanism, enabling immediate local changes when the correct combination is entered.
2Reliability
If a removable dogging key is used, then security is maintained, but immediate local changes cannot be made without retrieving the key
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the combination lock hub directly into the dogging mechanism, the security function and the operational function are merged into a single unit. This allows authorized personnel to perform immediate local changes using the combination code, eliminating the time loss associated with retrieving a separate removable key while maintaining security through the combination requirement.
3Ease of operation
If a combination lock hub is integrated into the dogging mechanism, then immediate local changes are enabled and security is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The combination lock hub serves multiple functions: it provides security control, enables immediate local operation, and integrates directly with the dogging mechanism. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while achieving the desired operational improvements.
Data Source
AI summary
An exit device for a door includes an elongate housing, a latch, a touch bar assembly, a panel, and a dogging assembly. The elongate housing is configured to be mounted to the door. The touch bar assembly is attached to the elongate housing. The touch bar assembly includes a touch bar that is movable relative to the elongate housing and has a linkage that operably connects the touch bar to the latch. The panel is connected to the elongate housing. The dogging assembly has a combination lock dogging operator and a dogging mechanism. The dogging mechanism is rotatably coupled to the elongate housing. The combination lock dogging operator is mounted to the panel, and is drivably engaged with the dogging mechanism.