Horizontal Bi-Swing Door Latch with Gravity-Compensated Solenoids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-mechanical lock systems for bi-swing warehouse doors face challenges in securing large doors without vertical posts and require costly retrofits, as conventional systems fail to function properly when installed horizontally and are not failsafe in power failures.
Innovation Solution
A bi-swing warehouse door latch system with electro-mechanical locks installed horizontally in overhead door casings, featuring two catches that drop down to prevent opening, solenoids for hands-free operation, and a capacitor for power backup, along with wireless controls and RFID readers for authorized access, ensuring secure and failsafe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electro-mechanical lock systems are installed horizontally in overhead door casings, then the system can be adapted to bi-swing warehouse doors without vertical posts, but the solenoids and latches are pulled into a lockup situation by gravity and fail to function properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional vertical installation orientation to a horizontal installation in overhead door casings. This inversion requires redesigning the solenoid and latch mechanisms to operate horizontally, where gravity acts perpendicular to the locking direction rather than parallel to it. The inverted orientation allows adaptation to bi-swing doors without vertical posts while maintaining reliable operation by accounting for gravitational effects in the new orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the installation parameters of the electro-mechanical lock system from vertical to horizontal orientation. This parameter change affects how gravity interacts with the solenoids and latches, requiring adjustments in the mechanical design to ensure proper operation. By modifying the installation parameters and corresponding operational characteristics, the system becomes adaptable to overhead door casings while maintaining functional reliability.
2Reliability
If electro-mechanical locks are installed horizontally in overhead door casings, then the system can secure bi-swing doors, but the installation requires retrofitting existing structures which increases construction expense
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead door casing installation approach serves multiple functions: it provides secure locking capability, utilizes existing structural elements (door casings) rather than requiring new vertical posts, and accommodates bi-swing door configurations. By making the locking system universal to overhead casings, the patent reduces retrofitting expenses while maintaining security effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing overhead door casings serve as the mounting structure for the electro-mechanical locks, eliminating the need for separate vertical posts or extensive structural modifications. The system utilizes the existing infrastructure (door casings) to provide its function, reducing construction expenses while maintaining security capability.
3Ease of operation
If conventional lock systems are used, then basic locking function is provided, but the system is not failsafe in the event of power failure and may trap people
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a failsafe mechanism that preemptively addresses the harmful effect of power failure by designing the solenoid and latch system to automatically unlatch when power is lost. This preliminary anti-action ensures that the door cannot trap people during power failures, countering the potential harmful effect before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of power failure into a beneficial failsafe feature. By designing the electro-mechanical lock system so that loss of power automatically causes unlatching, the harmful event (power failure) becomes a safety mechanism that ensures doors cannot trap people, transforming a potential hazard into a protective feature.
4Ease of operation
If wireless controls and RFID readers are added for hands-free access, then authorized access is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation (physical contact with locks or switches) with wireless electronic control systems including RFID readers and wireless transmitters. This substitution enables hands-free operation for authorized personnel while eliminating the need for physical interaction with the locking mechanism, improving ease of operation despite increased electronic system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless control system introduces intermediary devices (RFID readers, wireless transmitters, and control electronics) that mediate between the user and the locking mechanism. These intermediaries enable hands-free operation by detecting authorized access credentials and automatically triggering the unlock sequence, simplifying user interaction while managing system complexity through modular intermediary components.
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 system provides secure, hands-free access while minimizing construction costs and ensuring the doors remain accessible during power failures, maintaining security and operational integrity without the need for extensive retrofits or modifications to existing infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitor is employed to store enough energy after power is lost to kick the solenoids into the unlocked state
Implementation Method 2
The doors are allowed to swing open when the respective catches are unlatched by a solenoid
Implementation Method 3
springs can withdraw the catches into the pockets
Data Source
AI summary
A bi-swing warehouse door latch system installs an electro-mechanical lock horizontally in the door casings overhead. Each has two catches to drop down on either side of the door. The doors are allowed to swing open when the respective catches are unlatched by a solenoid. The doors are not allowed to swing open when the respective catches are held latched by another solenoid and a teeter arm. Battery powered models produce brief pulses to put the catches in their locked states or unlocked states using a capacitor to store enough energy after power is lost to kick the solenoids. Utility powered versions can be configured to automatically relax into locked or unlocked states when power is lost. The doors are controlled to unlock when those with authorized access are recognized.