Door Lock Catch Assembly for One-Handed Auto Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional door locks require users to manually push the door open after unlocking, lacking a seamless one-handed operation due to binary 'locked-unlocked' mechanisms that do not consider kinetic energy transfer or assistance in door movement, leading to ergonomic and functional integration issues.
Innovation Solution
A door lock integrating a lock catch mechanism and elastic driving system, allowing the stored energy to be automatically released upon triggering, enabling a complete unlocking and door-opening process with a single hand from outside the door.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional binary locked-unlocked mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the door cannot automatically pop open requiring manual pushing
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic component is pre-compressed during door closing to store energy before unlocking is needed. This preliminary energy storage enables the automatic popping open action without requiring additional user effort during the critical unlocking moment, resolving the contradiction between simple operation and functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism serves itself by using the door closing action to automatically compress the elastic component and store energy. This self-charging mechanism eliminates the need for external power sources or complex energy storage systems, achieving automatic door opening while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Extent of automation
If elastic driving system is added to enable automatic door opening, then one-handed operation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic driving system is merged with the existing lock catch mechanism rather than being added as a separate subsystem. The elastic component integrates with the lock bolt and catch assembly, sharing structural elements and motion paths, which reduces overall complexity while achieving automatic door opening functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic component serves multiple functions: it provides the driving force for automatic door opening, maintains locking pressure during the locked state, and assists in the unlocking transition. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for each function, reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If lock catch assembly includes elastic component, active component, and fixing component, then reliability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock catch assembly is segmented into distinct functional components (elastic component, active component, fixing component), each with a specific role. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing of each component using appropriate processes, improving reliability through component optimization while facilitating modular assembly that reduces overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The components are nested within each other in a compact arrangement where the active component is housed within the fixing component structure, and the elastic component is integrated into the same space. This nesting reduces the overall assembly size and simplifies the assembly process by minimizing the number of separate installation steps.
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 truly convenient one-handed operation, enhancing user experience, improving reliability and safety, and reducing failure rates while maintaining structural stability and durability.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic component... is configured for, when the door is in the closing state, accumulating closing energy generated by the door rotation; and releasing the accumulated closing energy when the lock catch assembly switches from the fastening state to the releasing state
Data Source
AI summary
A door lock, including: a lock bolt, a lock catch assembly and a switching control assembly. The lock bolt is configured to rotate with a rotation of the door. When the door is in a closed state, the lock catch assembly is in a fastening state, and the lock bolt is fastened by the lock catch assembly. The switching control assembly is fixedly connected to the outer side of the door. When the door is in the closed state, the switching control assembly is configured for switching the lock catch assembly from the fastening state to a releasing state, and during a process of switching the lock catch assembly from the fastening state to the releasing state, the lock bolt automatically pops out of the lock catch assembly and drives the door to rotate to disengage from the closed state.