Counter Lock Sequential Release Mechanism for Double Leaf Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing counter locks for double leaf doors require excessive force to open due to sequential release of blocking points, which does not align with safety regulations during emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A counter lock design featuring an actuating cam coupled to a follower, upper and lower sliders, and a pusher that sequentially releases upper and lower blocking points, allowing for easier door opening while maintaining safety standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the counter lock uses a conventional mechanism with multiple blocking points, then the door security is improved, but the force required to open the door increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism is segmented into multiple independent blocking points (upper, lower, and central) that can be released sequentially. The actuating cam is divided into distinct actuating surfaces that engage different sliders at different rotation angles, allowing the blocking points to be released in a controlled sequence rather than all at once, reducing the peak force required.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating cam is designed to release the central blocking point first through preliminary rotation, before engaging the upper and lower blocking points. This preliminary action of releasing the central latch first creates a mechanical advantage that reduces the force needed for subsequent blocking point releases.
2Ease of operation
If the counter lock releases all blocking points simultaneously, then the ease of operation is improved, but the safety compliance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking points are released in a periodic sequence rather than simultaneously. The actuating cam rotates through distinct phases, with each phase releasing a specific blocking point in a predetermined sequence (central first, then upper and lower). This periodic release pattern maintains safety compliance while keeping the operation smooth and controlled.
3Reliability
If the counter lock uses a sequential release mechanism, then the safety compliance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating cam serves multiple functions: it sequentially actuates the pusher for the central blocking point, the upper slider, and the lower slider through different surfaces on the same component. This multi-functionality achieves sequential release without requiring separate actuating mechanisms for each blocking point, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple actuating functions are merged into a single actuating cam component. The cam combines the functions of releasing the central latch, upper blocking point, and lower blocking point in one integrated mechanism, reducing the overall complexity compared to using separate actuators for each blocking point.
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 counter lock reduces the force required to open the door by releasing the central blocking point first, followed by the upper and lower points, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and ease of operation.
Implementation Method 1
an actuating cam (30) coupled to the follower (10), both the actuating cam and the follower being configured for rotating in an opening direction about a common axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
a pusher (50) configured for actuating a latch (8) of a lock (4), with the latch being housed at least partially in the counter lock (5) when the counter lock (5) is in the neutral position
Implementation Method 3
an upper slider (12) configured for being coupled to an upper rod (18) through which the blocking of the inactive leaf at an upper blocking point is maintained
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Counter lock for an inactive leaf comprising a cam (30) coupled to a follower (10), sliders (12, 15) configured for being coupled to rods through which the blocking of the inactive leaf at blocking points is maintained in a neutral position, the cam (30) being configured for moving at least one of the sliders (12, 15) when the follower (10) is rotated in an opening direction releasing the blocking points, and a pusher (50) configured for actuating a latch which, in the neutral position, is housed in the counter lock (5) blocking an active leaf at a central blocking point. The cam (30) is configured for actuating the pusher (50) when the follower (10) is rotated in the opening direction causing the release of the central point, and to then move one of the sliders (12, 15) unblocking the rest of the blocking points.