Deadbolt Lock Assembly with Independent Exterior Actuator
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional deadbolt locks often require users to operate the bolt for both locking and unlocking, which can be inconvenient, especially when users want to lock the door without a key or from the exterior.
Innovation Solution
A deadbolt lock assembly with an interior actuator for manual operation between retracted and extended positions, and an exterior actuator independent of the lock cylinder that allows the bolt to be extended but not retracted, featuring a driver and biasing member to facilitate locking without a key from the exterior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an exterior actuator is added to enable locking without a key, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly is divided into separate functional components: an interior assembly with thumbturn actuator, an exterior assembly with button actuator, and a lock cylinder with key actuator. Each actuator operates independently through its own mechanism (driver members, driver actuators, biasing members, latch members) to control the bolt, allowing locking without key while maintaining simplicity of individual components
Solution Approach 2:
The driver member and driver actuator mechanism serves multiple functions: it transmits rotational force from any actuator (thumbturn, button, or key) to the bolt, and also provides the unlocking function when rotated in reverse. The biasing member and latch member system universally manages the actuator positions across all three actuation methods
2Ease of operation
If the exterior actuator is made independent of the lock cylinder, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is segmented into independent actuation paths: the exterior button actuator operates through its own driver member and driver actuator mechanism separate from the lock cylinder, while still converging on the common bolt control function. This allows the exterior actuator to function independently without requiring the lock cylinder or key
Solution Approach 2:
The driver member acts as an intermediary between the exterior button actuator and the bolt. When the button is pressed, it rotates the driver member, which then transmits this motion through the driver actuator mechanism to extend or retract the bolt, providing independent exterior control without direct connection to the lock cylinder
3Reliability
If the exterior actuator allows only locking not unlocking, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The exterior button actuator mechanism is designed with asymmetric functionality: the button can be pressed to rotate the driver member in the locking direction, but cannot be pressed to rotate it in the unlocking direction. The biasing member and latch member configuration allows unidirectional rotation for locking while preventing reverse rotation for unlocking, ensuring the bolt can only be extended from the exterior, not retracted
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
Enables secure locking without a key from the exterior and convenient unlocking using either the thumbturn or key, enhancing user experience by allowing independent operation of the bolt's position without needing a key for extension.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member that biases the driver actuator toward the unloaded position
Data Source
AI summary
A lock assembly for use with a bolt movable from a retracted position to an extended position. The lock assembly includes an exterior assembly and an interior assembly having an interior actuator manually operable to move the bolt between the retracted position and the extended position. The exterior assembly includes an exterior actuator manually operable to cause the bolt to move from the retracted position to the extended position and inoperable to move the bolt from the extended position to the retracted position.