Fire Door Latch Structure with Intermediary Stopper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire door locks with latch structures are vulnerable to unauthorized opening by thieves and fail to maintain fireproof and burglarproof functions due to insufficient door closure force and easy manipulation of latch bolts.
Innovation Solution
A latch structure comprising a lock base, a latch unit, a blocking member, an elastic member, a linking set, and a fixing rod, where the latch bolt is positioned to prevent external forces from pushing it into the lock base, and the elastic member enables the blocking member to swing and accommodate the latch bolt, ensuring secure locking and unlocking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the latch bolt is made swingable at the lock base, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability is worsened because the latch bolt can be easily pushed into the lock base by external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the latch bolt in a protruding state that engages with the stopper before any unauthorized force is applied. The latch bolt is designed to automatically engage the stopper when the door closes, creating a pre-established secure state that prevents subsequent unauthorized opening attempts without requiring additional action from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the stopper - that mediates between the latch bolt and the door frame. The stopper acts as a physical barrier that the latch bolt must engage with to secure the door, and this intermediary component prevents direct manipulation of the latch bolt by thieves while still allowing legitimate operation through the door closing force.
2Ease of operation
If the door closure force is insufficient, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability is worsened because the stopper contacts the restraining surface and forms an unlock situation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the latch bolt, specifically creating an inclined surface that converts insufficient linear closure force into effective rotational motion. The inclined surface changes the force vector and mechanical advantage, allowing the door closing force to effectively drive the latch bolt into the engaged position even when the overall door closure force is weak.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the latch bolt with an inclined surface that enables dynamic adaptation to varying closure forces. The inclined surface allows the latch bolt to automatically adjust its engagement depth and position based on the actual force applied during door closing, ensuring reliable locking whether the door is closed gently or with significant force.
3Reliability
If the latch bolt protrudes from the lock base to form a lock state, then the fireproof function is improved, but the burglarproof function is worsened because thieves can push the latch bolt into the lock base using tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the stopper as an intermediary component that the latch bolt must engage with to achieve the protruding lock state. This intermediary creates a mechanical interlock where the latch bolt protrudes to engage the stopper, maintaining fireproof function, while the stopper itself acts as a barrier that prevents thieves from simply pushing the latch bolt back without first overcoming the stopper engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by designing the system so that the latch bolt automatically protrudes and engages the stopper when the door closes, establishing a pre-secured state. This preliminary engagement creates a mechanical configuration where unauthorized pushing requires overcoming the engaged stopper, adding resistance to burglary attempts while maintaining the fireproof protruding state.
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 effectively enhances the burglarproof function by preventing unauthorized access and maintains the fireproof function by ensuring proper closure and locking of the fire door, even when door closure force is insufficient.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member (140), wherein the blocking member (130) is pressed by the elastic member (140)
Data Source
AI summary
A latch structure of fire door lock includes a lock base, a latch unit, a blocking member, an elastic member and a linking set. The lock base comprises an accommodating slot, a first lateral portion having a first sliding slot, and a second lateral portion having a second sliding slot. The latch unit has a combining pin. The blocking member is disposed in the accommodating slot and includes a contacting portion. The contacting portion is pressed by the elastic member. The combining pin is connected at the linking set and the latch unit. Two end portions of the combining pin are slidably disposed at the first sliding slot and the second sliding slot respectively. The end portions of the combining pin are restrained within a first recess of the first sliding slot and a second recess of the second sliding slot respectively.