Elevator Lock Strike Plate Emergency Unlocking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current elevator landing door locking systems face accessibility and space constraints, particularly with emergency unlocking systems being difficult to access and increasing the bulk of the lock, especially in compact structures.

Innovation Solution

A lock strike plate with an integrated emergency unlocking system featuring ejection means that move between engagement and disengagement positions, utilizing a lever and pin mechanism for unlocking, and elastic means for automatic return, along with signaling components to prevent incorrect unlocking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the emergency unlocking system is installed in the lock, then the unlocking function is provided, but the accessibility of the unlocking mechanism becomes difficult and the bulk of the lock increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of emergency unlocking systemVSAvoidbulk of the lock
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The emergency unlocking system is segmented into two separate components: the lock (installed in the door frame) and the lock strike plate (installed in the door leaf). The ejection means are integrated into the lock strike plate rather than the lock, dividing the unlocking function across both components. This segmentation allows the ejection means to be accessible from the door leaf side while maintaining a compact lock structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bolt acts as an intermediary element that connects the lock and the lock strike plate. The ejection means in the lock strike plate interact with the bolt to achieve unlocking, rather than directly manipulating the lock mechanism. This intermediary approach allows the ejection means to be positioned in the lock strike plate for better accessibility while still controlling the locking function through the bolt.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the ejection means are always accessible, then emergency unlocking is facilitated, but the risk of accidental unlocking increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of ejection meansVSAvoiddoor security against accidental unlocking
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ejection means are designed with specific local characteristics: they can be accessed through the door leaf but require a specific action (pushing in a specific direction) to activate. The signaling means provide local feedback to indicate the locking state. This localized design allows accessibility while controlling activation to prevent accidental unlocking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The signaling means provide feedback about the locking state by becoming inoperable when the bolt is in the locked position. This feedback mechanism prevents accidental unlocking by making it clear when the door is already secured, as the signaling means will not respond to activation attempts when the bolt is engaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the bolt is kept in locked position by spring, then door security is maintained, but the force required to eject the bolt during emergency unlocking increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor securityVSAvoidforce required for ejection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The ejection means are designed to dynamically interact with the bolt during the unlocking process. Rather than simply pushing against a spring-loaded bolt, the ejection means utilize the mechanical leverage and movement characteristics of the bolt and lock mechanism to reduce the required ejection force. The system transitions from a static spring-held position to a dynamic ejection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 accessibility and reduces space requirements, ensuring the emergency unlocking system is always accessible while preventing accidental unlocking and maintaining door security.

Implementation Method 1

said lock strike plate includes elastic means for moving the ejection means from the disengagement position to the engagement position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The bar is rotatable around a fulcrum and said ejection means are situated at the point of application of the mechanical resistance of the lever

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP3328777B1Lock strike plate provided with an emergency unlocking system, and lock-ing device comprising said lock strike plate
Publication Date: 2020.06.10 T E SRL
  • EP3328777B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3328777B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3328777B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention refers to a lock strike plate which can be coupled to a lock of a device for locking a landing door of an elevator platform. The lock strike plate comprises a bolt bushing in which the bolt of said lock is at least partially housable. The lock strike plate also comprises an emergency unlocking system including a cam rotatable by means of an unlocking triangle and integrally con- nected to a tooth for ejecting the bolt from the bolt bushing. In particular, the cam is rotatable between at least one first position at which the ejection tooth lies outside the bolt bushing, and a second position at which the tooth is at least partially housed in the bolt bushing, determining the ejection of the bolt from the latter and consequently the unlocking of the door. A variant of the lock strike plate, object of the invention, comprises an apparatus including an electrical contact which can be actuated by means of a button type switch. The cam is in- tegrally connected to a second tooth which, with a rotation of the cam such to determine the ejection of the bolt from the bolt bushing, presses the button ac- tuating the electrical contact. This causes the positive stop of the movement of the car of the elevator platform. Another object of the invention is a device for locking a landing door of an elevator platform comprising a lock coupled to the lock strike plate, object of the invention.