Door Lock Alert Indicator for Anti-Theft Latch Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door lock operating devices do not provide visual indication of the anti-theft latch position, leading to potential misuse in the confusion, where a panicked person may erroneously move the anti-theft latch to the non-anti-theft position, allowing unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a main frame, a knob pivotably mounted to the main frame, an inner and outer connecting member, a handle, a sensor, and an indicating portion with a lighting unit, which provides visual indication of the anti-theft latch position through alignment with the lighting unit based on the position of the connecting members, allowing the lighting unit to emit light when the outer connecting member is in the alert position. The lighting unit emits light when the anti-theft latch is in the anti-theft position, preventing unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the door lock uses an anti-theft latch mechanism, then security is improved, but the user cannot identify the latch position visually leading to potential misuse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color changes in the indicating portion to visually represent the latch position. The indicating portion changes color or displays different colors based on whether the anti-theft latch is in the locked or unlocked position, providing immediate visual feedback to the user without compromising security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an indicating portion as an intermediary element between the anti-theft latch mechanism and the user. This intermediary component translates the mechanical state of the latch into visual information that the user can easily interpret, solving the information loss problem while maintaining the security function.
2Loss of information
If the door lock provides visual indication of latch position, then user awareness is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the indicating function with existing structural components of the door lock. The indicating portion is integrated into the latch mechanism itself, sharing common parts and mounting structures, which minimizes the increase in device complexity while still providing the necessary visual indication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicating portion is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides visual indication of latch position, maintains structural integrity of the door lock assembly, and can potentially serve as a mounting surface for other components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated indicating components.
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
The device ensures accurate identification of the anti-theft latch position, preventing unauthorized access by providing a visual alert when the anti-theft latch is engaged, thus enhancing security and reducing panic-induced errors.
Implementation Method 1
a lighting unit (153) disposed in the subframe (137) and configured to emit light
Data Source
AI summary
A door lock operating device with an alert function comprises an operating portion and an indicating portion. A lighting unit is disposed in the indicating portion and is electrically connected to the operating portion. The operating portion includes an outer connecting member interlocked with an anti-theft latch of a door lock and operable to move the anti-theft latch between an anti-theft position and a non-anti-theft position. When the anti-theft latch is in the anti-theft position, the outer connecting member permits control of the lighting unit to or not to emit light.