Interchangeable Cylinder Rotary Lock for Single-Step Door Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking mechanisms require separate operation of cylinder locks and rotary latches, complicating the locking and unlocking process.

Innovation Solution

A locking device where the actuating unit is designed as an interchangeable cylinder, allowing the rotary latch to be operated via the cylinder itself, combining the functions of actuation and protection against unauthorized unlocking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate cylinder lock and rotary latch are used, then protection against unauthorized unlocking and door locking function are achieved, but the locking and unlocking process becomes complicated requiring operation of both components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against unauthorized unlockingVSAvoidlocking and unlocking process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cylinder lock and rotary latch into a single integrated locking device where the cylinder lock's locking plug directly forms the locking tongue of the rotary latch. This merging eliminates the need for separate components and operations, allowing the door to be locked and unlocked by operating only the cylinder lock while maintaining both security functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking plug of the cylinder lock serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the locking mechanism for unauthorized access prevention and the actuating element for the rotary latch operation. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate cylinder lock and latch operations.

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

2Ease of operation

If a simple latch with locking tongue is used, then ease of operation is improved, but the door cannot be reliably pressed against the frame to compress seals and prevent gas exchange

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking operationVSAvoiddoor sealing and positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the simple latch mechanism with the rotary-tension latch functionality by integrating the locking tongue into the cylinder lock assembly. The locking tongue retains its simple rotational operation while being coupled to the tensioning mechanism that enables axial movement, thus achieving both ease of operation and reliable door sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If an additional actuating unit like pivot lever is added to the rotary latch, then the locking tongue can be moved axially and rotated, but the device complexity increases and additional components are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking tongue movement capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for a separate pivot lever by merging the actuating function directly into the cylinder lock's locking plug. The locking plug's rotational and axial movements are directly transmitted to the locking tongue through the integrated mechanism, reducing component count while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cylinder lock's locking plug is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the primary locking element, the actuating mechanism for the locking tongue, and the operational interface for the user. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated actuating components like pivot levers.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4086413B1Locking device
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 EMKA BESCHLAGTAILE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4086413B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2c
  • EP4086413B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c
  • EP4086413B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to a locking device (50) for locking a door (30) against a door frame (40) with a rotary-tension lock (1) which has a rotatable and axially movable locking tongue (2), and an actuating unit for moving the locking tongue (2) between a locking position (V) and an unlocking position (E), wherein the actuating unit is designed as an interchangeable locking cylinder (10).