Lock Assembly Fastener Clamping Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lock mechanisms can be difficult and time-consuming to install due to the need for fasteners to be securely attached to both sides of a movable structure like a door.

Innovation Solution

The lock apparatus incorporates a pivot clamp device or slide clamp that securely holds a fastener to an inner housing, allowing for quick and efficient assembly by preventing the fastener from being removed until the lock is properly secured.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional fastening methods are used to attach fasteners to housing sides, then the lock mechanism can be assembled, but the installation process becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener is pre-attached to the inner housing using a clamp device before the actual installation process. This preliminary action ensures the fastener is securely positioned and cannot be removed or misplaced during installation, significantly reducing installation time and difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A clamp device serves as an intermediary mechanism between the fastener and the inner housing. The clamp device temporarily holds the fastener in place during assembly, acting as a mediator that prevents fastener removal until the lock is properly installed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If fasteners are not securely held during assembly, then assembly can be flexible, but fasteners may be removed or misplaced causing installation delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastener position stabilityVSAvoidfastening mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener is pre-attached to the inner housing using a clamp device before the actual installation process. This preliminary action ensures the fastener is securely positioned and cannot be removed or misplaced during installation, significantly reducing installation time and difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A clamp device serves as an intermediary mechanism between the fastener and the inner housing. The clamp device temporarily holds the fastener in place during assembly, acting as a mediator that prevents fastener removal until the lock is properly installed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12241293B2Quick install method and apparatus for door locks

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 SCHLAGE LOCK CO LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to a lock assembly comprising an inner housing positionable on one side of a movable structure such as a door and an outer housing positionable on an opposing side of the structure. A pocket connection region having an aperture formed through a wall of the inner housing is configured to receive a head of a fastener therethrough. After the fastener extends through the aperture, a clamp device may be moved from an open position to a closed position so as to releasably lock the fastener to the pocket connection region of the inner housing. In another form, a retainer is configured to hold the fastener with respect to the inner housing during installation of the lock assembly. In this manner an inner housing may be quickly connected to an outer housing when installing a lock assembly to the structure.