Lock Assembly Quick Release Double Fire Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire-resistant door lock assemblies with internal fusible links are difficult to determine as nonfunctional by direct observation, as they do not provide a clear indication of lock actuation linkage failure during a fire.
Innovation Solution
A lock assembly with a quick release double fire plate design, featuring a mounting fire plate and a lockset fire plate coupled by fusible links that melt during a fire, allowing the lockset to separate from the door by gravity, ensuring the lock remains latched and preventing fire spread.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internal fusible links are used in the lock actuation linkage, then the door remains latched during fire, but it is difficult to determine by direct observation whether the lock assembly has been rendered nonfunctional
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary indicator mechanism that visually signals the status of the fusible link. When the fusible link melts during fire, the indicator moves to show that the lock has been rendered nonfunctional, allowing direct observation without exposing the actual fusible link or internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color changes as a visual indicator system. The indicator component changes color or position to clearly distinguish between functional and nonfunctional states of the lock assembly, enabling easy detection of whether the fusible link has melted during fire conditions.
2Strength
If the lockset is securely mounted to the door, then security is maintained during normal conditions, but the lockset cannot be quickly separated during fire
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the mounting mechanism by using a fusible link that transitions from a strong mechanical connection to a melted/separated state when exposed to fire temperatures. This allows the mounting strength to be high during normal conditions but automatically reduce to zero during fire, enabling quick separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fusible link undergoes a phase transition from solid to liquid when exposed to fire temperatures, causing the lockset to detach from the door. This phase change mechanism provides both secure mounting during normal conditions and automatic release during fire without requiring additional actuators or mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the fusible link is designed to melt at fire temperatures, then the lock actuation linkage becomes nonfunctional, but there is no clear visual indication that release has occurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a visual feedback mechanism through an indicator that communicates the status of the lock assembly. When the fusible link melts and releases the lock actuation linkage, the indicator provides immediate visual feedback to show that the lock has been rendered nonfunctional, preventing loss of information about the system state.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design allows for direct observation of lock functionality and ensures the door remains latched during a fire, effectively preventing fire spread while maintaining security during normal conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one fusible link is configured to melt during a fire condition to release the lockset fire plate from the mounting fire plate
Implementation Method 2
facilitate the separation of the first lockset including the lockset fire plate from the mounting fire plate and the door by force of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A lock assembly includes a mounting fire plate configured for attachment to the door. A first lockset includes a lockset fire plate and a first operator assembly having a first operator handle. The first operator assembly is mounted to the lockset fire plate. At least one fusible link is configured to releasably couple the lockset fire plate of the first lockset to the mounting fire plate. The at least one fusible link is configured to melt during a fire condition to release the lockset fire plate from the mounting fire plate to facilitate a separation of the first lockset including the lockset fire plate from the mounting fire plate and the door by force of gravity.