Door Exit Device Trim Lock Mechanism for Storm Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exit device assemblies for doors are prone to unintended actuation during storms or emergency events due to external impacts, and there is a need for enhanced functionality to manage ingress and egress securely and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An exit device assembly with a pushbar assembly on the egress side, a trim with a manual handle on the non-egress side, a latch control mechanism connected to a remote latch mechanism via a control rod, and a trim lock device on the egress side that can be manually or key-operated to control door access, ensuring secure and flexible operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the trim handle is made operable to manipulate the latch control mechanism, then ease of operation for ingress is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unintended actuation during storms or emergency events
Solution Approach 1:
The trim lock device transitions between a locked state (blocking handle operation) and an unlocked state (permitting handle operation). This dynamic state change allows the system to adapt between normal use conditions where ease of operation is prioritized and emergency conditions where reliability and protection from unintended actuation are prioritized.
Solution Approach 2:
The trim lock device acts as an intermediary between the handle and the latch control mechanism. When locked, it blocks the transmission of force from the handle to the latch control mechanism, preventing unintended actuation while maintaining the handle's structural integrity and normal functionality when unlocked.
2Reliability
If the trim lock device is added to prevent unintended actuation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trim lock device is integrated with the existing trim and handle assembly, combining the locking function with the aesthetic and operational elements of the trim. This merging approach adds the necessary reliability function while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity by sharing structural and mounting resources with existing components.
3Reliability
If the handle is made rigid to prevent manipulation, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation for legitimate access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The trim lock device provides a dynamic locking mechanism that can be engaged or disengaged as needed. When engaged, it creates a rigid connection preventing handle manipulation; when disengaged, it restores full handle operability. This dynamic approach allows the system to switch between reliability and ease of operation based on operational context.
Data Source
AI summary
An exit device assembly includes a pushbar assembly configured for mounting to an egress side of the door, a trim configured for mounting to a non-egress side of the door, at least one remote latch mechanism on the egress side of the door, a latch control mechanism mounted to the door for manipulating the at least one remote latch mechanism, a key mechanism on the non-egress side of the door separate from the trim, and a trim lock device on the egress side of the door. The trim lock device is operable to prevent ingress through the door via the trim, while restricted ingress is provided by the key mechanism while the trim is locked from the egress side. The pushbar assembly is operable to always provide egress.