Lock Latchbolt Dual Support Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locks lack sufficient protection against unauthorized unlocking, as the latch bolt is not adequately supported in the locked position, making it vulnerable to being pushed back.

Innovation Solution

The latch bolt is supported by two spatially separate points in the locked position, with one support point on the edge and another on the side surface of the slide, and a V- or U-shaped projection and recess design to prevent movement, along with a link guide for additional support, enhancing security against manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the latch bolt is supported by only one support point in the locked position, then the structure is simple, but the security against unauthorized unlocking is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against unauthorized unlockingVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is segmented into two spatially separated support points instead of one single support point. The first support point is located on the edge of the slide facing the latch bolt, and the second support point is located on a side surface of the slide, creating a more robust support system that prevents the latch bolt from being pushed back

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support mechanism transitions from a single-point support to a two-point support system with spatial separation. The support points are positioned at different locations and orientations (edge vs. side surface), adding dimensional complexity to the support structure and thereby enhancing security against manipulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the slide is designed with a recess and projection to prevent movement, then the security is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against being pushed backVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The slide and latch bolt are equipped with localized geometric features (V-shaped or U-shaped recess and projection) specifically designed to prevent movement. These features are concentrated at the critical interface between the slide and latch bolt, providing enhanced security without requiring complex modifications throughout the entire structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a cam guide with transverse support point is added, then the tamper resistance is significantly increased, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetamper resistanceVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cam guide acts as an intermediary mechanism that provides an additional support point for the latch bolt. This cam guide with transverse support point indirectly supports the latch bolt by constraining its movement through the cam-follower interaction, thereby enhancing tamper resistance without directly modifying the primary support structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3521538B1Lock with a latchbolt
Publication Date: 2021.06.09 WINKHAUS
  • EP3521538B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3521538B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3521538B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A lock with a latch bolt (4) has two spatially separated support points (20, 23) for supporting the latch bolt (4) in a locked position. The support points (20, 23) are arranged on a slide (10). Therefore, the slide (10) must first be actuated to retract the latch bolt (4). The actuation of the slide (10) into the locked position of the latch bolt (4) can be effected by a lock cylinder or by a cam (2).