Latch Control Device for Electric Door Lock Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical door locks cannot be easily converted to electrically control the opening and closing of doors, requiring replacement of the entire lock system to incorporate electric controls.
Innovation Solution
A latch control device that includes a connecting seat with a detecting module, a locking member, a driving device, and a safety pin unit, allowing for electric control of a mechanical door lock without replacing the existing lock, and featuring a safety mechanism to prevent fire spread by engaging the locking member during a fire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an entire mechanical door lock is replaced to incorporate electric controls, then electric control capability is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the door locking system into two independent parts: the existing mechanical door lock and the newly added latch control device. The mechanical lock remains unchanged while the latch control device is separately installed on the door frame, enabling electric control without replacing the original lock mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch control device serves multiple functions: it detects the state of the mechanical lock, controls the locking and unlocking operations, and integrates with existing door access systems. This multi-functional design allows the added device to provide comprehensive electric control capability while working with the existing mechanical lock.
2Ease of operation
If components are mounted in an exposed position for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but vulnerability to damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch control device is nested within the door frame structure, with the connecting seat installed in a recess or cavity of the door frame. This nesting arrangement protects the electronic components from external damage while maintaining functional accessibility through the door frame's existing openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The door frame serves as an intermediary structure that houses and protects the latch control device components. The frame acts as a protective barrier between the electronic components and the external environment, reducing vulnerability to damage while allowing the device to function.
3Ease of operation
If the locking member is made freely pivotable for easy unlocking, then ease of operation is improved, but safety during fire incidents deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The safety pin unit automatically activates in response to fire conditions without requiring external intervention. The fire detection mechanism triggers the safety pin to engage with the locking member, preventing door opening and fire spread automatically, while allowing normal operation under non-fire conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety pin is pre-positioned and spring-loaded to engage with the locking member when fire is detected. This preliminary anti-action mechanism counteracts the normal unlocking operation by physically blocking the locking member's movement, preventing door opening during fire incidents before the fire can spread.
Data Source
AI summary
A latch control device includes a connecting seat divided by two integrally formed walls into a hollow portion and a mounting portion spaced from the hollow portion. A detecting module is disposed between the two walls. A locking member is pivotably mounted between the two walls. A first restraining member is disposed in the mounting area and is configured to lock or unlock the locking member, controlling pivotal movement of the locking member. When the locking member is not pivotable, a latch of a door lock in the hollow portion is restrained in the hollow portion, preventing opening of a door to which the door lock is mounted. When the locking member is pivotable, the locking member can pivot while the door pivots, permitting opening of the door.