Espagnolette Lock Connecting Rod and Guide Studs Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing espagnolette-locks face mechanical stresses and space constraints due to the crossing of the easel with the latch bolt, leading to suboptimal casing size and complex carpentry notches, with inadequate transverse retention of the latch bolt and inefficient command transmission to operating rods.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of guide studs and a connecting rod with a molded or stamped-forged design that guides the latch bolt and operating rods, eliminating the need for an easel and minimizing clearances to prevent interference, allowing for a smaller casing size and simplified assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an easel is used to transmit movement from the follower to the operating rods, then the command transmission is achieved, but the easel crosses the latch bolt creating mechanical stresses and inadequate transverse retention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional easel component from the lock mechanism. Instead of using an easel to transmit movement, the invention uses a connecting rod that is directly actuated by the follower through a modified linkage system. This extraction of the problematic easel eliminates the crossing path that caused mechanical stresses and inadequate retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the connecting rod arrangement from a vertical configuration (crossing the latch bolt) to a horizontal configuration parallel to the latch bolt. This dimensional change allows the connecting rod to be actuated without crossing the latch bolt's path, eliminating the mechanical interference and improving transverse retention.
2Ease of operation
If the easel crosses the latch bolt to transmit movement, then the operating rods can be actuated, but mechanical stresses are created in the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional easel component from the lock mechanism. Instead of using an easel to transmit movement, the invention uses a connecting rod that is directly actuated by the follower through a modified linkage system. This extraction of the problematic easel eliminates the crossing path that caused mechanical stresses and inadequate retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the connecting rod arrangement from a vertical configuration (crossing the latch bolt) to a horizontal configuration parallel to the latch bolt. This dimensional change allows the connecting rod to be actuated without crossing the latch bolt's path, eliminating the mechanical interference and improving transverse retention.
3Ease of operation
If the casing extends beyond the latch bolt to accommodate the easel and operating rod connection, then the connection is possible, but the casing size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional easel component from the lock mechanism. Instead of using an easel to transmit movement, the invention uses a connecting rod that is directly actuated by the follower through a modified linkage system. This extraction of the problematic easel eliminates the crossing path that caused mechanical stresses and inadequate retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the connecting rod arrangement from a vertical configuration (crossing the latch bolt) to a horizontal configuration parallel to the latch bolt. This dimensional change allows the connecting rod to be actuated without crossing the latch bolt's path, eliminating the mechanical interference and improving transverse retention.
4Ease of operation
If traditional guiding means are used for the latch bolt, then the latch bolt is guided, but the guidance is insufficient to prevent interference with the connecting rod
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guide studs as intermediary elements that provide precise guidance for both the latch bolt and the connecting rod. These guide studs act as mediators between the moving components, ensuring proper alignment and preventing interference between the latch bolt and connecting rod during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The lock (1) has a driving mechanism (3) comprising a follower (9) to control a half-turn bolt extended in a front edge (8) of a casing (2) in a projecting locking position. Actuation units (17) activate operation rods (18, 19) respectively extended above and below the casing. A connection rod (20) connects the operation rods through a reversal device when necessary, extends along the edge of the casing in a parallel manner and comprises a slot (21) for passage of the bolt. The casing comprises maintenance and guidance units (29) to maintain and guide a head (13) of the bolt.