Electric Lock Case Integrating Opener and Latch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric locking systems for escape doors, which rely on holding magnets, weaken the door leaf and increase assembly costs, and pose a risk of damage during forced attempts to open the door due to their design, compromising fire and smoke protection.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an additional latch with an electric opener that engages directly with the lock case, allowing the door to be closed and locked without activating the handle, and only unlocking via the electric opener, which is integrated into the door frame, eliminating the need for additional cutouts and reducing the risk of door damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If holding magnets are used for electrical locking, then the door can be locked electrically, but the door leaf is weakened due to additional cutouts and assembly bores

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical locking functionVSAvoiddoor leaf strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical locking function is merged with the existing lock case structure. The electric opener is integrated into the lock case, and the additional latch works together with the latch bolt in a unified locking mechanism, eliminating the need for separate holding magnet installations that would require additional cutouts in the door leaf.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock case is designed to serve multiple functions: it houses both the latch bolt for manual operation and the additional latch for electrical locking, while also containing the electric opener mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate electrical locking components that would require additional door leaf modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If holding magnets are mounted far from the handle, then electrical locking is achieved, but the door leaf is at risk of damage during forced opening attempts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical locking functionVSAvoiddoor leaf damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The additional latch is positioned locally within the lock case, close to the latch bolt and handle mechanism. This local positioning ensures that when the door is forcibly opened while electrically locked, the forces are concentrated on the robust lock case structure rather than being distributed across the door leaf, preventing door leaf deformation and damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If additional cutouts are made for electrical locking elements, then electrical locking is enabled, but processing and assembly costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical locking functionVSAvoidassembly cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical locking components are merged into the existing lock case structure. The additional latch and electric opener are integrated within the same housing that contains the latch bolt, eliminating the need for separate mounting locations and reducing the number of cutouts required in the door leaf.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock case is designed as a universal housing that accommodates both manual and electrical locking mechanisms. This multi-functional design allows the same structural opening to serve multiple purposes, reducing the total number of cutouts needed and simplifying both processing and assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enhances door safety by preventing damage during forced opening attempts and reduces assembly costs by eliminating the need for additional cutouts, while maintaining fire and smoke protection integrity.

Implementation Method 1

an electric opener (24), which is assigned to the additional latch (20), by which the additional latch (20) can be pushed back into the lock case (12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP2169155B1Lock
Publication Date: 2012.12.26 BKS
  • EP2169155B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The lock (10) has an actuating element connected with a control device over which an electrical locking device (26) is provided in an unlocking position. An additional latch (20) is provided in the electrical locking device that is formed as an electrical opener (24), where the opener is attached to the latch. The opener is integrated completely into a door frame. The electrical locking device is supplied with current when placed in a locking position.