Interconnected Door Lock Conversion Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interconnected door locks are not easily convertible from a left-hand configuration to a right-hand configuration, limiting their versatility in installation and use.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an interconnection assembly with a chassis defining multiple rotational axes and a pivot axis, featuring upper and lower cam plates and a linkage bar, allowing the deadbolt and latch bolt assemblies to be rotated by 180 degrees to switch between configurations, enabling easy conversion between left-hand and right-hand operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed interconnection assembly design is used, then the door lock can be manufactured and assembled, but it cannot be easily converted from left-hand to right-hand configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection assembly is divided into separable components including the chassis, upper cam plate, lower cam plate, and linkage bar that can be independently positioned and reconfigured. This segmentation allows the components to be rearranged for left-hand or right-hand door configurations without replacing the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam plates are designed with rotational freedom about specific axes, enabling dynamic repositioning of the cam surfaces and linkage connections. This dynamic capability allows the same physical components to adapt to different door configurations through rotation rather than requiring fixed, configuration-specific designs.
2Ease of manufacture
If the door lock is designed for a specific hand configuration, then the interconnection assembly can be simplified, but it requires separate designs for left-hand and right-hand doors
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection assembly is designed as a universal component set that can serve both left-hand and right-hand door configurations. The same chassis, cam plates, and linkage bar can be configured for either hand by changing their rotational positions, eliminating the need for separate left-hand and right-hand assembly designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam plates feature asymmetric cam surfaces and linkage attachment points that, when rotated to different orientations, provide the appropriate geometry for left-hand or right-hand door operations. This asymmetric design with rotational capability allows a single physical component to fulfill multiple configuration requirements.
3Ease of operation
If conversion between configurations is made difficult, then the initial assembly can be simpler, but installation flexibility and user convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection assembly is pre-designed with all necessary components (chassis, cam plates, linkage bar) in a state ready for quick reconfiguration. The components include pre-defined rotational axes and connection points that anticipate future configuration changes, allowing installers to perform conversion by simply rotating components rather than redesigning or replacing them.
Data Source
AI summary
An interconnection assembly includes a chassis, and cam plates that are rotatably coupled to the chassis to pivot about a plurality of rotational axises. An upper cam plate is operatively coupled to a deadbolt. The upper cam plate has a cam surface. A lower cam plate is rotatably coupled to the chassis to pivot about a second rotational axis. The lower cam plate is operatively coupled to an interior latch bolt handle. The lower cam plate has a cam slot. A linkage bar is rotatably coupled to the chassis to pivot about a pivot axis. The linkage bar has a first linkage portion having a first cam follower configured to operatively engage the cam surface of the upper cam plate and has a second linkage portion having a second cam follower operatively received in the cam slot of the lower cam plate.