Lock Actuating Part Segmentation for Reliable Latch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mortise locks with latch retraction mechanisms are prone to malfunctions due to complex structures and high component counts, leading to alignment issues and jamming, particularly with the actuating part being incorrectly positioned between nut halves.
Innovation Solution
The lock features an actuating part with two spatially separate stops that can pivot between two positions, ensuring that only one stop interacts with either nut half at a time, eliminating the risk of malfunctions and simplifying the conversion process by reducing structural complexity and component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single actuating part is used to control latch retraction from both sides, then the lock can operate from either side, but the actuating part may be incorrectly positioned in a central position causing both nut halves to couple to the latch retraction element or the latch retractor to jam
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating part is segmented into two separate stops (first stop and second stop) that can be independently positioned. Each stop is responsible for coupling with one specific nut half, preventing the problem of a single actuating part being incorrectly positioned in a central position. This segmentation ensures that only one stop interacts with one nut half at a time, eliminating the risk of both nut halves coupling simultaneously or the latch retractor jamming.
2Ease of manufacture
If a control part is screwed into a middle lever between nut halves, then the coupling can be achieved, but the alignment of screw holes of the respective half of the nut with the middle lever becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into separate stops on the control part that interact with each nut half independently. Instead of requiring precise alignment of screw holes between the middle lever and both nut halves, each stop can be independently positioned and adjusted to couple with its corresponding nut half, significantly reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control part is designed to be rotatable relative to the nut halves, allowing dynamic adjustment of the stops' positions. This rotatability enables the stops to be aligned with the respective nut halves during assembly and operation, eliminating the need for fixed, precisely aligned screw holes and simplifying the manufacturing process.
3Ease of manufacture
If the actuating part is pressed into a central lever, then the coupling can be achieved, but the control part may be pressed too far into the center lever protruding into the range of motion of both halves of the nut or being pushed out of the range of motion of both halves
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating part is divided into two separate stops that can be independently positioned, eliminating the risk of the control part being pressed too far into the center lever. Each stop is responsible for its own nut half, preventing the scenario where the control part protrudes into the range of motion of both halves or is pushed out of the range of motion of both halves.
Solution Approach 2:
The stops act as intermediary elements between the control part and the nut halves. Instead of directly pressing the control part into the center lever, the stops mediate the interaction, ensuring proper positioning and preventing excessive insertion or displacement that would cause malfunction.
4Ease of operation
If a lever is mounted pivotably in a lock case to create a form fit between the operating part and the latch, then the latch retraction can be achieved, but the structural complexity of the espagnolette lock increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control part with its two stops is merged with the latch retraction element, eliminating the need for a separate pivotably mounted lever in the lock case. The stops directly interact with the nut halves to achieve latch retraction, combining multiple functions into a single integrated component and reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control part serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuating mechanism for latch retraction and the coupling element between the nut halves. The two stops on the control part enable it to interact with both nut halves independently, providing universal functionality without requiring additional specialized components like a separate pivotable lever.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The lock has a coupling enclosed by an adjusting unit (18) for producing a form fit connection of latch removal element (12) with box halves (4, 5). The coupling has control parts (17, 25) connected with the removal element in a form fit manner. The control parts are projected to produce a form fit connection in a movement region of the box halves. The control parts comprise stop units (16, 19) that are spatially separated from each other, and are pivotable between two pivotable positions. The stop units project in to a movement region of the two box halves in the pivotable positions.