Door Lock Visual State Indicator via Thumb Turn Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door locks lack a clear visual indication of their locking or unlocking state, making it difficult for users to determine whether the lock is set to the locking or unlocking position, especially with the thumb turn's directional ambiguity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a lighting device within the inner handle, controlled by a switch activated by the thumb turn, which generates light when the door is in the locking state and remains dark when in the unlocking state, allowing users to visually identify the lock's state through a light-transmittable lid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a thumb turn is used to indicate locking state, then the locking state can be indicated, but it is not easy to identify whether the press button is pressed and the user has to remember which extending direction is the locking state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a light-transmittable lid that changes its light transmission property based on the locking state. When the lighting device emits light, the lid appears illuminated (indicating locking state), and when no light is emitted, it appears dark (indicating unlocking state). This visual color/brightness change provides intuitive state identification without requiring the user to remember directional orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a lighting device as an intermediary between the thumb turn mechanism and the user. The lighting device converts the mechanical state (thumb turn position) into optical information (light emission), which is then transmitted through the light-transmittable lid to provide clear visual feedback. This intermediary transforms the ambiguous mechanical indication into unambiguous optical signaling.
2Productivity
If a press button or thumb turn is disposed on inner handle, then rapid setting to locking state is permitted, but it is not easy to identify whether the press button is pressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements visual feedback through the lighting device and light-transmittable lid. When the thumb turn is rotated to the locking position, the lighting device automatically emits light, and this light transmits through the lid to provide immediate visual confirmation of the locking state. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for users to remember or infer the state, making state detection as easy as the rapid locking operation itself.
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
Provides clear visual feedback to users about the door lock's state, enhancing convenience and safety by allowing easy identification of the locking or unlocking status without relying on remembering directional orientations.
Implementation Method 1
The lighting element is configured to generate light transmitting through the first lid
Data Source
AI summary
A door lock includes a latch driving device having a thumb turn that can be switched between a locking position not permitting movement of a latch to an unlatching position when an outer handle is pivoted and an unlocking position permitting movement of the latch to unlatching position when the outer handle is pivoted. The thumb turn includes an actuator controlling a switch to a conductive state or a non-conductive state. When the thumb turn is in the locking position, the switch is in the conductive state, and a lighting element controlled by the switch generates light transmitting through the first lid. When the thumb turn is in the unlocking position, the switch is in the non-conductive state, and the lighting element does not generate light. Thus, the locking or unlocking state of the door lock can be identified by sight.