Lock Actuating Element Rotational Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locks are inflexible in orientation and require bending of the microswitch's switch lug for setting the switching sequence, leading to material fatigue and inability to adjust the switching sequence in the assembled state.

Innovation Solution

A lock with a rotatably mounted actuating element on the nut, featuring an eccentrically arranged pin that contacts or releases the microswitch's switch flag, allowing for adjustable fine-tuning of the switching sequence without bending the switch lug, and enabling adjustment even in the assembled state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the microswitch is fixed by gluing in the known locks, then the orientation is fixed and cannot be converted subsequently, but the lock becomes inflexible in orientation and cannot be used variably on both sides

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveFixed orientation assemblyVSAvoidOrientation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The microswitch is mounted on a printed circuit board that can be rotated and positioned in different orientations. The actuating element with eccentric pin allows the switching sequence to be adjusted by rotating the actuating element relative to the microswitch, enabling the lock to be configured for different orientations (inside/outside door sides) without requiring reassembly or bending of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the switch lug of the microswitch is bent to ensure a defined switching sequence, then the switching sequence can be set, but the switch lug experiences material fatigue and the microswitch may become inoperable

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSwitching sequence settingVSAvoidMicroswitch durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating element can be rotated to different angular positions to set the switching sequence, providing a dynamic adjustment mechanism that eliminates the need for bending the switch lug. The eccentric pin configuration allows precise control of the switching moment by rotating the actuating element, thereby setting the switching sequence without applying mechanical stress to the microswitch components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The switching sequence is controlled by changing the angular position parameter of the actuating element relative to the microswitch. By rotating the actuating element to different angles, the switching moment can be precisely adjusted without physically deforming any components, thus maintaining the integrity and reliability of the microswitch.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If the switch lug is bent multiple times to adjust the switching sequence, then the switching sequence can be precisely set, but the material fatigue increases and the microswitch lifespan decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSwitching sequence precisionVSAvoidMicroswitch service life
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating element with eccentric pin provides a rotational adjustment mechanism that enables precise setting of the switching sequence through angular positioning. This dynamic adjustment method replaces the static bending process, allowing multiple adjustments without cumulative material fatigue, thereby extending the microswitch service life while maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If the microswitch is fixed in the assembled state of the lock, then the lock structure is compact and integrated, but adjustment of the switching sequence is not possible after assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLock integrationVSAvoidPost-assembly adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating element is designed to be rotatable relative to the printed circuit board, allowing adjustment of the switching sequence even after the lock is assembled. The eccentric pin configuration enables precise angular positioning to set the switching moment, providing post-assembly adjustability while maintaining the compact and integrated structure of the lock.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3006652B1Lock with push-button contact
Publication Date: 2017.11.22 DORMAKABA DEUT GMBH
  • EP3006652B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3006652B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3006652B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a lock (1) with a handle and/or a panic bar, which is operatively connected to an engageable and disengageable spindle (2), with an electromechanical switching unit and at least one sensor (3) for access control of a door, wherein in a disengaged state of the spindle (2), the spindle (2) is in contact with the sensor (3), and wherein, by actuating the electromechanical switching unit, the spindle (2) can be brought into a coupled state, wherein, in the coupled state, actuation of the handle and/or the panic bar releases the spindle (2) and the sensor (3) into a release state. According to the invention, the spindle (2) comprises an arm (4) with a rotatably mounted actuating element (5), wherein, in the coupled state, actuation of the handle and/or the panic bar releases the actuating element (5) from the contact state to the release state.