Compact Door Locking Device Using Nested C-Shape Rail

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door wing locking devices require large installation spaces due to the need for extensive sliding rails, which is not suitable for compact designs like revolving doors with integrated door closers.

Innovation Solution

A compact locking device with a carriage and guide that fits within a C-shaped slide rail, featuring a spring-loaded latching lever and adjustable preload, allowing for a small slide rail and adjustable locking angle, ensuring the door wing can be held open with minimal space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional locking device with extensive sliding rail is used, then the locking function is reliable, but the installation space required becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is nested within the C-shaped slide rail profile, with the carriage and guide fitting inside the curved structure. This nesting arrangement allows the locking mechanism to be compact while maintaining its functional reliability, directly resolving the contradiction between reliable locking and compact installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device utilizes the curved dimension of the C-shaped slide rail profile to accommodate the carriage and guide in a compact arrangement. By leveraging the three-dimensional space within the curved profile rather than requiring linear extension, the device achieves compactness without compromising locking reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the slide rail length is reduced for compact installation, then the installation space is reduced, but the locking mechanism becomes more difficult to implement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslide rail lengthVSAvoidlocking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carriage and guide are nested within the C-shaped slide rail profile, allowing the locking mechanism to be implemented in a compact slide rail without increasing overall complexity. The nested arrangement optimizes space utilization while maintaining mechanical simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The C-shaped slide rail profile serves multiple functions: it guides the slider, provides structural support, and accommodates the nested carriage and guide mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the overall locking mechanism while maintaining compact dimensions.

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

3Area of stationary object

If the locking device is made compact with small dimensions, then the installation space is reduced, but the spring preload adjustment becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking device sizeVSAvoidspring preload adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adjusting screw acts as an intermediary mechanism that provides a user-friendly interface for spring preload adjustment within the compact locking device. The screw thread mechanism allows precise adjustment of the spring force without requiring direct manipulation of the spring itself, making the adjustment operation easy despite the compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjusting screw modifies the spring preload parameter by changing the compression length of the spring through threaded engagement. This parameter change mechanism allows precise control of the locking force while maintaining a compact device structure, as the adjustment is achieved through linear displacement of the screw rather than requiring large spatial variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution allows for a smaller overall size of the locking device, enabling a larger maximum door opening angle and reduced slide rail length, facilitating integrated installation while maintaining effective locking and automatic closure functionality.

Implementation Method 1

A latching lever which is acted upon by a spring and is pivotably mounted in the carriage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The spring is supported on an adjusting screw that can be adjusted in a thread in the carriage and on the other hand is supported on a slide guided in the guide, which in turn is supported on a roller in the locking lever

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling friction: Roller

Implementation Method 3

The slider is provided with an inclined surface, with which it is supported on the roller arranged in the locking lever, the locking head being acted upon in the locking direction, depending on the angle of the inclined surface and the set preload of the spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP2169159B1Securing device for a door leaf
Publication Date: 2013.04.24 GEZE GMBH
  • EP2169159B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2169159B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2169159B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The locking device (8) has a door closer (4), which is connected with a sliding arm (6). A locking head is arranged on a lock lever pivotally supported in a slide rail (5) at an end in a pivot bearing. A spring is provided, where a slider is impinged by the spring and guided in the slide rail.