Electric Unlocking Device for Push Bar Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional push bar latches are difficult for individuals with disabilities to unlock due to their design, and existing electric unlocking solutions do not effectively conserve power or protect linear motors.
Innovation Solution
An electric unlocking device for push bar latches incorporating a base frame with a linear motor, stepping stud, binding rod, unlocking unit, and buffer spring, which allows for smooth, power-efficient operation and easy manual unlocking, featuring a control unit that adjusts unlocking steps based on resistance to accommodate different latch types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual push rod operation is used for unlocking, then the device is simple and reliable, but it is difficult for individuals with disabilities to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical push rod operation with an electric linear motor system. The motor-driven unlocking mechanism automates the force application to the latch, making it accessible to individuals with disabilities who cannot physically push the rod, while maintaining the mechanical return spring system for simplicity in the reverse direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking device is designed to support multiple operation modes: it can be manually operated by pushing the push rod, electrically actuated via the linear motor, or controlled remotely. This multi-functionality ensures accessibility for all users including those with disabilities, while the underlying mechanical structure remains simple and reliable.
2Ease of operation
If electric unlocking function is added to assist disabled users, then accessibility is improved, but power consumption increases and linear motor protection becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The linear motor operates in periodic cycles: it activates only during the brief moment needed to disengage the latch (consuming power), then stops and remains idle. The control system manages these periodic activations efficiently, and the motor's built-in protection features automatically reset after each cycle, minimizing overall power consumption while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear motor incorporates self-protection capabilities including automatic overload detection, thermal management, and fault reporting. The motor monitors its own operational parameters and can detect when the latch is already unlocked or when excessive force is required, preventing unnecessary power consumption and self-damage without requiring complex external protection circuits.
3Reliability
If the push bar latch automatically returns to locked state, then security is maintained, but additional spring mechanisms increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a return spring that acts as a mechanical counterweight or opposing force to the motor's unlocking action. When the motor retracts to unlock the latch, the spring is compressed; when the motor releases, the spring's stored energy automatically pushes the mechanism back to the locked position. This simple elastic counterforce provides reliable automatic return without requiring additional active components or complex control systems.
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
Facilitates easy access for individuals with disabilities while conserving power and protecting linear motors through a flexible unlocking mechanism that ensures smooth operation and automatic return to the locked state.
Implementation Method 1
a linear motor having a stepping stud installed on the base frame
Implementation Method 2
the head end of the stepping stud has a binding rod; an unlocking unit having a pair of side plate and an end plate arranged in the base frame
Implementation Method 3
sleeves a buffer spring on the non-circular barrel
Data Source
AI summary
A electric unlocking device for a push bar latch, comprising: a base frame having an external sliding slot; a linear motor having a stepping stud, the stepping stud is equipped with a stud return spring, and the stepping stud has a binding rod; an unlocking unit having a pair of side plate and an end plate, the side plate has a pair of internal sliding slot, and the end plate has a non-circular hole; a binding unit having a limit oval head rivet and a non-circular barrel, the non-circular barrel sets through the non-circular hole and makes the limit oval head rivet arranged inside the unlocking unit, and makes the non-circular barrel combine with the binding rod, sleeves a buffer spring on the non-circular barrel; and an unlocking connecting rod, the outer end is combined with the push bar returning unit, and the inner end is provided with an unlocking pin.