Internal Lock Case in Fire-Resistant Glass Door

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire-resistant glass doors require visually distracting and costly stainless steel coverings for the lock case due to the need for surface mounting and complex glass cut-outs, which compromises the smooth appearance and increases production complexity.

Innovation Solution

The lock case is mounted internally within the fire-resistant glass pane, using pressure holes and a cylinder hole, eliminating the need for surface mounting and allowing the use of simpler materials, with an optional heat-absorbing siliceous material for enhanced fire protection and a sealed gel-filled space for cooling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the lock case is mounted on the outer surface of the glass pane, then the locking mechanism is accessible, but the housing halves heavily apply to the glass surface and require stainless steel covering for optical reasons

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanism accessibilityVSAvoidsurface mounting complexity and material costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock case is nested within the glass pane structure by creating a recess in the glass and housing the lock case inside this recess, rather than mounting it on the outer surface. This allows the locking mechanism to remain accessible while eliminating the need for external housing halves and stainless steel coverings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock case is positioned in a different spatial dimension by creating a recess within the glass pane thickness, moving the locking mechanism from the external surface mounting to an internal integration within the glass structure itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the lock case is mounted on the glass surface, then the locking mechanism is accessible, but complete glass cut-outs must be provided which increases production complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanism accessibilityVSAvoidglass cut-out production complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring a complete glass cut-out, the invention segments the glass pane by creating a localized recess only in the area where the lock case is needed. This partial modification of the glass structure reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining lock accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The glass pane is modified locally only in the recess area where the lock case is housed, rather than requiring complete glass cut-outs. This localized modification approach simplifies production while maintaining the functional requirements of the locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If the lock case is placed inside the fire-resistant pane, then the appearance is smooth and material costs are reduced, but the lock case may be exposed to flames

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface mounting complexityVSAvoidflame exposure to lock case

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lock case is positioned within the fire-resistant pane structure, and the glass pane itself serves as a protective barrier beforehand. The glass acts as a cushioning protective layer that prevents direct flame contact with the lock case while maintaining the smooth appearance and reduced material costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The glass pane structure serves as an intermediary protective barrier between the fire and the lock case. By housing the lock case within the pane structure, the glass acts as a mediator that protects the lock case from direct flame exposure while allowing the simplified mounting design.

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

This design provides a visually unobtrusive, cost-effective solution that maintains fire and smoke resistance while reducing material costs and complexity, with the added benefit of a cooler lock case during fires due to the fire protection gel and improved assembly with an opaque coating.

Implementation Method 1

the lock case is even cooled at least on the side edges in the event of a fire by the fire protection gel contained in the fire protection pane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

Fire-resistant glazing with at least one fire-resistant glass door is also known from DE 20 2011 106 509 U1 and DE 20 2011 106 522 U1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal stress resistance: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP2902581B1Flame retardant glass door with internal lock case and glazing incorporating such a flame retardant glass door

Publication Date: 2016.12.14 HOLZBAU SCHMID GMBH & CO KG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a fire-resistant glass door for preventing the passage of fire and smoke from one room to another in the event of a fire, comprising at least one fire-resistant pane made of at least two glass panes spaced apart from each other by means of an edge seal and a lock case having an internal locking mechanism, characterized in that the lock case is arranged between the glass panes.