Counter Lock Slide Mechanism Blocking Unauthorized Bar Movement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing counterlocks face issues with unauthorized unlocking due to potential manipulation of locking bars, which can be moved into the counterlock housing to trigger the unlocking mechanism, compromising security.

Innovation Solution

A counterlock design featuring a slide mechanism that moves locking bars between extended and retracted positions, with a blocking surface preventing unauthorized movement and ensuring secure locking and unlocking processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If locking bars are made movable to allow unlocking operation, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates due to potential unauthorized manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunlocking operationVSAvoidsecurity against manipulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary component (the blocking element integrated into the slide mechanism) that mediates between the locking bar and the counterlock housing. This blocking element selectively prevents the locking bar from being pushed into the housing during normal operation, while allowing controlled movement during authorized unlocking. The intermediary blocks unauthorized direct manipulation while permitting legitimate operational movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic blocking mechanism where the blocking element's position changes based on the slide's position. When the slide is in the locked position, the blocking element prevents locking bar movement into the housing. When the slide moves to the unlocked position, the blocking element retracts, allowing locking bar movement. This dynamic behavior enables the system to adapt its restrictions based on operational state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a blocking mechanism is added to prevent manipulation, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against manipulationVSAvoidmechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the blocking function with the existing slide mechanism by integrating a blocking element directly into the slide structure. Rather than adding a separate blocking device, the slide itself performs the blocking function when in the locked position. This integration reduces overall system complexity while maintaining security functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The slide mechanism serves multiple functions: it moves the locking bar for unlocking operations, it positions the blocking element to prevent manipulation, and it coordinates the movement of both locking bar and blocking element simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby limiting complexity increase.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3543436B1Counter lock for a passive door
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 DORMAKABA DEUT GMBH
  • EP3543436B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3543436B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3543436B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a counterlock (100) for a hinged door comprising a counterlock housing (170), a slide (160), a bolt actuator (130), and a first bolt rod connection (120), wherein the slide (160) is mounted on the counterlock housing (170) so as to be translationally movable, and wherein the bolt actuator (130) can be moved from a retracted position to an active position by means of the slide (160). According to the invention, the first bolt rod connection (120) is also movable from a first position to a second position by means of the slide (160).