Door Locking Device Sequential Retraction Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking devices for doors and windows can jam during rapid activation in panic situations, causing security concerns due to high forces applied to the door or window sash, which prevents or delays opening.

Innovation Solution

A locking device with a second connecting rod coupled to the main lock's mechanism, a resetting device acting on the first drive rod, and a torsion spring to facilitate quick and reliable retraction of locking elements, ensuring the additional lock's elements are fully closed before the main lock's, thus avoiding jamming and maintaining operability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the locking mechanism is quickly activated in a panic situation, then the door or window can be opened rapidly, but the high forces applied cause the locking elements to jam in the frame-side strike plate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening speedVSAvoidlocking element operation
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary locking elements are retracted in advance before the main locking element is actuated. When the drive rod moves in the unlocking direction, it first triggers the auxiliary locking elements to disengage from the strike plate, preparing the system for subsequent main lock operation without jamming

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking system is divided into multiple independent locking elements (main lock and auxiliary locks) that can operate sequentially. The drive rod is segmented to control different locking elements at different stages, allowing the auxiliary locks to be released before the main lock, preventing force concentration and jamming

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple locking elements are engaged in the door frame, then the door locking security is improved, but the risk of jamming increases during rapid activation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor locking securityVSAvoidjamming risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary locking elements are retracted in advance before the main locking element is actuated. When the drive rod moves in the unlocking direction, it first triggers the auxiliary locking elements to disengage from the strike plate, preparing the system for subsequent main lock operation without jamming

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The drive rod acts as an intermediary mechanism that coordinates the sequential operation of multiple locking elements. It transfers motion from the operating mechanism to both auxiliary and main locking elements in a controlled sequence, ensuring auxiliary locks release first to prevent jamming during rapid activation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution allows for rapid and reliable retraction of locking elements, ensuring the door or window can be opened securely by keeping operating forces low and preventing tilting, as the additional lock's elements are completely retracted before the main lock's, thus enhancing security and ease of operation.

Implementation Method 1

a resetting device acting on the first drive rod, and that a torsion spring facilitates quick and reliable retraction of locking elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3348756B1Closing device for a door, a window or the like
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 GRETSCH UNITAS GMBH BAUBESCHLAGFABRIK
  • EP3348756B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3348756B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3348756B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A locking device (10) for a door, window or the like, comprising a main lock (12) and at least one auxiliary lock (13), wherein the auxiliary lock (13) is coupled to a first drive rod (16) and has a locking element (18) which can be moved between a locking position and a release position by means of the first drive rod (16), and wherein the main lock (12) has a locking element (18) which is coupled to a locking mechanism (22) of the main lock (12) and can be moved between a locking position and a release position by means of the locking mechanism (22), is designed and further developed with regard to a quick and reliable re-closing of locking elements by simple structural means such that a second drive rod (24) is provided which is coupled to the locking mechanism (22) of the main lock (12) and has a driver (26),via which the first drive rod (16) can be driven when the second drive rod (24) is driven, that a reset device (30) is provided which acts on the first drive rod (16), and that the coupling between the locking element (20) of the main lock (12) and the lock mechanism (22) of the main lock (12) has a free play (32), so that when the first drive rod (16) is driven into the release position, the locking element (18) of the auxiliary lock (14) is moved into its release position by means of the reset device (30) before the locking element (20) of the main lock (12) is driven into the release position.