Door Lock Adapter Rotary to Translational Motion Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door lock systems do not allow for seamless operation of a US-style latch module using a European-style door handle, requiring adaptation to enable compatible functionality.
Innovation Solution
An adapter that converts rotary motion from a European-style door handle into translational motion to actuate a US-style latch module, comprising a housing with levers and bearings to transmit torque and facilitate the operation of the latch, allowing for integration or retrofitting into various door lock systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a European-style door handle with rotary motion is used, then the door handle can be operated in the conventional rotary manner, but it cannot directly actuate a US-style latch module that requires translational motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary device that couples between the European-style door handle and the US-style latch module. The adapter contains a first lever rotatably coupled to receive rotary motion from the door handle, and a second lever that translates this rotary motion into translational motion to actuate the latch module. This intermediary mechanism resolves the incompatibility between the rotary operation of European handles and the translational requirement of US-style latches.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter transforms the motion parameter from rotational to translational. The first lever receives rotary motion (angular displacement) from the door handle, and through the mechanical linkage of the second lever, converts it into linear displacement to actuate the latch module. This parameter transformation enables compatibility between incompatible motion types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adapter is introduced to convert motion types, then compatibility between European door handles and US-style latch modules is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is segmented into distinct functional components: a housing, a first lever for rotary motion reception, a second lever for translational motion transmission, and associated bearings and coupling mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while enabling modular assembly and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter components are nested within a compact housing structure. The first and second levers are arranged in sequence within the housing, with the second lever positioned to receive motion from the first lever and transmit it to the latch module. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall footprint and integrates multiple functions into a compact unit.
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 the operation of a US-style latch module using a European-style door handle, providing a versatile solution that can be retrofitted into almost any door lock system, ensuring compatibility and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
A first bearing rotatably supports the first lever relative to the housing, defining a first axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
A second bearing pivotably supports a connecting rod relative to the first lever
Implementation Method 3
The channel is configured to movably support the connecting element
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter configured to convert a rotary motion of a drive shaft for a door lock actuating mechanism into a translational motion for actuating a door latch. The adapter includes a housing with a compartment and a first lever inside the compartment, enables retrofitting of US-style doors with a European style door handle by providing a first bearing that rotatably supports the first lever relative to the housing, wherein the first bearing has a first axis of rotation, wherein the housing has a channel, the channel has a first opening facing the lever and a second opening facing away from the lever, wherein a first channel axis extends through the centers of the first and second openings. The first lever has a hole, configured for receiving the drive shaft, wherein the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft correlates with the first axis of rotation. The first lever further has first coupling means for providing a torque proof coupling with the drive shaft. A second bearing pivotably attaches the lever to a connecting rod, where-in the second bearing has a second axis of rotation, wherein the connecting rod has a first connecting element at the end of the connecting rod opposite to the lever. The first connecting element is moveably supported inside the first channel, wherein the channel walls limit a translation of the first connecting element in directions perpendicular to the first channel axis and enable a translation along the first channel axis.