Integrated Locking Arm and Latch Bolt Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking devices require multiple parts and a separate step to release the locking arm before the latch bolt can be moved, making it difficult to open the door efficiently, especially when limited rotational movement is available from outside.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a latch bolt arrangement and a first follower arm that directly transfers motion to both the latch bolt and locking arm, eliminating the need for additional interconnecting parts and allowing simultaneous movement of the latch bolt and locking arm, thereby reducing the number of parts and improving the unlocking experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate parts are used to first remove the locking arm and then move the latch bolt, then the locking device can be securely locked, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking arm and latch bolt into a single integrated locking element. The locking arm serves dual functions: it blocks the latch bolt in the locked position and can be directly moved to unlock the door. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanisms to first disengage the locking arm and then move the latch bolt, reducing part count while maintaining secure locking through the blocking geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arm is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a blocking element to secure the locked state and as a movable component that directly controls latch bolt position. When the locking arm is moved between its blocking and non-blocking positions, it simultaneously controls both the locked state and the latch bolt movement, making it a universal component that replaces multiple specialized parts.
2Reliability
If multiple separate parts are used to first remove the locking arm and then move the latch bolt, then the locking device can be securely locked, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm and latch bolt are merged into a single integrated element, so that moving the locking arm directly moves the latch bolt. This eliminates the need for separate operational steps to first disengage the locking arm and then move the latch bolt, allowing the door to be unlocked with a single smooth motion that improves ease of operation while maintaining secure locking through the blocking geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arm is pre-positioned to block the latch bolt in the locked state. When the user operates the unlocking mechanism, the locking arm is moved from its blocking position, which automatically and immediately allows the latch bolt to move. This preliminary blocking action is built into the geometry, so the unlocking motion naturally follows without requiring separate steps, improving operational ease.
3Reliability
If a separate step is required to remove the locking arm before moving the latch bolt, then the locking device can be securely locked, but the productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm and latch bolt are combined into a single integrated component. Moving the locking arm between its blocking and non-blocking positions directly controls the latch bolt position in a single continuous motion. This eliminates the need for separate operational steps, allowing the door to be unlocked faster and improving productivity while maintaining secure locking through the blocking geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking operation is made continuous through the integrated locking arm-latch bolt design. As the locking arm is moved from its blocking position, the latch bolt continuously follows without interruption or pause. This continuous motion eliminates the separate steps required in conventional designs, speeding up the unlocking process and improving productivity while maintaining reliable locking.
4Reliability
If limited rotational movement is available from outside, then the door can be securely locked, but the ease of operation deteriorates when unlocking from outside
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arm and latch bolt are merged into a single integrated element that responds directly to the rotational movement of the outside handle. The locking arm is positioned to block the latch bolt, and even limited rotation of the handle directly moves the locking arm from its blocking position, which immediately allows the latch bolt to move. This integration ensures that limited rotational input is efficiently translated into unlocking action, improving ease of outside operation while maintaining secure locking.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device (1), comprising:—a latch bolt arrangement (2), which is movable into at least a first and a second latch bolt position, said latch bolt arrangement (2) comprising a first follower arm engagement part (7); —a first follower arrangement (8) configured for transferring a motion to the latch bolt arrangement from a first unlocking device which can be connected to the first follower arrangement (8), wherein said first follower arrangement (8) comprises a first follower arm (11) which comprises a latch bolt engagement part (13) which is configured to at least in some positions of the first follower arm (11) contact the first follower arm engagement part (7) of the latch bolt arrangement (2), whereby the latch bolt arrangement (2) can be pushed by a movement of the first follower arm (11) such that the latch bolt arrangement (2) is moved from the first latch bolt position to the second latch bolt position; and —a locking arm (15), wherein said locking arm (15) further comprises a locking arm catch (19), whereby said locking arm (15) can be moved from the first locking arm position to the second locking arm position by pushing said locking arm catch (19), and wherein the first follower arm (11) further comprises a locking arm catch engagement part (21) which will push the locking arm catch (19) for moving the locking arm (15) towards the second locking arm position when the first follower arm (11) is moved for pushing the latch bolt arrangement (2) to the second latch bolt position.