Emergency Exit Assembly with Flexible Cable Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
In care homes, existing emergency exit assemblies are inadequate as they either rely on electric power that may fail during emergencies or require complex key systems that are difficult to manage, failing to ensure restricted access while allowing residents to exit freely.
Innovation Solution
An emergency exit assembly featuring first and second push-button units connected by an elongate flexible means, where the first unit releases one end of the connecting means for staff to withdraw, and the second unit, mounted on the door, releases the other end using a biased mechanism allowing easy ejection, ensuring staff can open the door without needing both hands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrically powered assemblies are used to control door access, then access control functionality is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential power failure during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent push-button units connected by a flexible cable. The first unit (externally mounted) and second unit (internally mounted) can operate independently to release the door, eliminating dependency on electrical power while maintaining access control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses spring-loaded push-buttons that are mechanically self-actuating. When either button is pressed, it mechanically releases the locking mechanism through the flexible cable connection, requiring no external power source and ensuring operation during emergencies
2Reliability
If key-based assemblies are used to restrict access, then access security is improved, but device complexity increases due to key management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The complex key management system is extracted and replaced with a simple mechanical push-button release mechanism. The essential function of restricting access is maintained through the default locked state, while the complicating factor of key distribution and management is completely removed
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces durable but complex key systems with simple, inexpensive push-button mechanisms. The focus shifts from long-term key management to simple, replaceable mechanical components that can be easily reset or replaced if needed
3Ease of operation
If a mechanical release mechanism is provided for the connecting means, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex mechanism to lock the door and a simple button to unlock it, the system uses a simple push-button that, when pressed, mechanically releases the locking state through the flexible cable connection. The complexity is inverted by making the release mechanism the primary control element
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
This solution provides a reliable and user-friendly mechanism for staff to open doors while restricting unauthorized access, ensuring residents can exit freely during emergencies without requiring complex key management or electricity.
Implementation Method 1
The release member may be in the form of a plate. The release member may be mounted in a recess formed in the body. The recess may additionally containing biasing means, such as a leaf spring. The biasing means may urge the release member against the toggle member.
Implementation Method 2
A biasing member, for example in the form of a coil spring, may be positioned within the body, for example within the second opening in the body, to eject the connecting means from of the second push-button unit when released.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
An emergency exit assembly comprises first (1) and second (5, 105) push-button units and an elongate flexible connecting means (3) to connect the push-button units. The first push-button unit (1) is adapted on operation to release a first end (9) of the connecting means (3) to allow the connecting means to be withdrawn from the first push-button unit when released. The second push-button unit (5, 105) is adapted on operation to release and eject a second end (11) of the connecting means from the second push-button unit.