Interchangeable Insert for Modular Locking Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking systems require multiple pivoting lever constructions and separate depressions or actuations for different locking elements, increasing warehousing and production costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A modular locking device with an interchangeable insert featuring a lever hook and torsion spring mechanism, allowing for easy adaptation to various locking systems by inserting the interchangeable insert from the front or rear, and automatically returning to the starting position without further actuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pivoting lever constructions are used for different locking elements, then each locking element can be properly accommodated, but production costs and warehousing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different locking elementsVSAvoidnumber of pivoting lever constructions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receptacle is designed with a universal geometry that can accommodate multiple different locking element types (profile cylinders, profile half cylinders, finger levers) through a single standardized interface. The interchangeable insert adapts within this universal receptacle to work with various closure systems, eliminating the need for multiple specialized pivoting lever constructions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device is divided into separable components: a fixed receptacle and an interchangeable insert. This segmentation allows the receptacle to remain standardized while the insert can be swapped to match different locking element requirements, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If separate depression or actuation mechanisms are provided for each locking element, then each can be independently controlled, but production costs and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent control of locking elementsVSAvoidproduction costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single depression mechanism located on the actuating side is designed to control multiple different locking elements through the standardized receptacle interface. This universal actuation system replaces the need for separate depression mechanisms for each locking element type, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining independent control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If a standardized receptacle is used for different locking elements, then production costs decrease, but the mechanism for accommodating various closure systems becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction costsVSAvoidaccommodation of various closure systems
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into a standardized receptacle and an interchangeable insert. The receptacle provides the universal interface for cost-effective standardized production, while the insert contains the adaptive components that accommodate different closure system requirements, separating the standardized interface from the adaptive functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interchangeable insert acts as an intermediary component between the standardized receptacle and the various locking elements. It translates the universal receptacle interface into specific engagement mechanisms suitable for different closure systems, maintaining adaptability while preserving manufacturing standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Simplifies production and reduces costs by allowing a single pivoting lever construction to accommodate multiple locking elements, ensuring efficient and automatic operation of the locking mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

the lever hook is moved back into the starting position by a torsion spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3612693B1Interchangeable insert for a modular closure device for different closure elements
Publication Date: 2021.04.28 DIRAK DIETER RAMSAUER KONSTRUKTIONSELEMENTE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3612693B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3612693B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP3612693B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a modular closure device for different closure elements (14), such as finger levers, plate cylinders, profiled cylinders, and profiled half-cylinders for locking a pivot lever (10) in a recess (30), wherein the closure elements (14) can be plugged into and secured (49) in a receiving area (50) arranged in the recess (30) or the pivot lever (10) either from the front or from the rear. The invention is characterized in that the closure device interacts with a guide (46) by means of an interchangeable insert (18) which is adapted to the closure device and is designed differently for the different receiving areas (50) such that the closure device can be inserted (46) into the recess (30) or the pivot lever (10), and the recess (30) or the pivot lever (10) can be plugged through an opening in a door leaf or the like together with the inserted interchangeable insert (14) and can be secured (49) by means of a cap (12).