Embedded Unlocking Element for Double-Leaf Door Panic Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Double-leaf doors with active and fixed leaves and panic locking functionality face security issues due to the unlocking element protruding beyond the lock bolt, which can be manipulated and reduce the security class of the lock, and existing solutions do not adequately prevent forced entry or burglary.

Innovation Solution

A locking arrangement where the unlocking element is completely embedded within the lock bolt, allowing for a panic function to be executed without protrusion, enhancing security by preventing unauthorized unlocking and maintaining the lock bolt's engagement with the strike plate, thereby improving burglary protection and maintaining the lock's security class.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the unlocking element protrudes beyond the lock bolt to enable panic function, then the door can be opened from the inside when locked, but the security class of the lock is reduced due to manipulability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanic functionVSAvoidsecurity class
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The unlocking element is completely embedded within the lock bolt, nested inside the bolt body rather than protruding outward. This eliminates the security vulnerability of exposed unlocking elements while maintaining the panic function through internal actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

A cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the panic bar actuation and the unlocking element. When the panic bar is actuated, the cam converts this motion into movement of the unlocking element, enabling indirect actuation that maintains security while achieving the panic function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the unlocking element is embedded in the lock bolt to improve security, then manipulation is prevented, but the mechanism for executing panic function becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity classVSAvoidunlocking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The unlocking element is merged with the lock bolt as an integrated component rather than a separate protruding element. This integration simplifies the overall structure by reducing the number of external parts while maintaining the embedded configuration for enhanced security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cam mechanism serves as an intermediary that simplifies the connection between the panic bar and the embedded unlocking element, providing a straightforward mechanical linkage that avoids complex internal mechanisms within the lock bolt itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the lock bolt is secured in locked state against conversion to locked state, then forced entry is prevented, but the door cannot be opened from inside when locked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against forced entryVSAvoidpanic function
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking device is designed to be dynamically reversible - it provides strong blocking in the normal locked state to prevent forced entry, but can be quickly released through the panic function. The blocking element can be shifted from its blocking position to allow the lock bolt to move to the locked state, enabling emergency egress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking device is pre-positioned to secure the lock bolt in the locked state against forced entry. The panic mechanism is also pre-configured with the cam and unlocking element arrangement, so that when activated, the blocking is immediately released without requiring complex real-time adjustments, enabling rapid emergency opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3336289B1Closure assembly for a double-leaf door
Publication Date: 2022.02.16 GEZE GMBH
  • EP3336289B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3336289B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3336289B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a locking arrangement (1) for a double-leaf door (active leaf 3, inactive leaf 5) comprising a lock case (10) with a lock bolt (14) and a blocking element (blocking element 16.1) which secures the lock bolt (14) in an excluded state against being moved into an engaged state, and a strike plate (20) with a strike plate (22.1) into which the lock bolt (14) engages at least partially in the excluded state, wherein, by actuating the strike plate (20) to perform a panic function, a release element (14.1) guided in the lock bolt (14) releases the blocking element (blocking element 16.1) of the lock bolt (14) and a first actuating element (24) moves the lock bolt (14) from the excluded state to the engaged state, in which the lock bolt (14) engages the strike plate (22.1).1) releases, as well as a double-leaf door (active leaf 3, inactive leaf 5) with such a locking arrangement (1). According to the invention, the unlocking element (14.1) is completely embedded in the lock bolt (14) in the direction of the strike plate (20), regardless of the closed state of the lock bolt (14), wherein, by actuating the strike plate (20) to execute the panic function, a second actuating element (24.1) arranged in the strike plate (20) moves the unlocking element (14.1) in the direction of the blocking (blocking element 16.1) and releases the blocking (blocking element 16.1) of the lock bolt (14).