Lock Assembly with Segmented Actuator and Intermediary Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door locking systems, including three-point locking systems, are vulnerable to unauthorized entry as they can be compromised by cutting the handle above a padlock or misplacement of vandal-resistant puck locks.
Innovation Solution
A lock assembly with a moveable actuator and a locking structure that engages a lock to prevent rotation, even if the handle is cut, combined with a separate lock that can be installed and replaced independently, and an emergency release mechanism to allow exit from the inside.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a padlock is used to secure the handle to prevent unauthorized entry, then security against unauthorized entry is improved, but the handle can still be cut above the padlock allowing determined vandals to gain entry
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into separate components: a fixed locking structure attached to the door frame and a movable actuator with handle attached to the door. The lock engages between these separated components, preventing handle rotation without requiring the handle itself to be secured by a padlock that could be circumvented by cutting.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate lock acts as an intermediary component between the fixed locking structure and the movable actuator. This lock engages with both components to prevent unauthorized rotation of the actuator, providing security without compromising the handle's integrity or requiring direct padlock attachment to the handle.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a removable handle with puck lock is used to prevent unauthorized entry, then vandal resistance is improved, but the handle and puck lock may be misplaced when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure and actuator are permanently attached to the door frame and door respectively, merging the locking mechanism into the fixed structure. The separate lock component remains but is engaged within the fixed locking structure when not in use, eliminating the risk of misplacement while maintaining vandal resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking structure is pre-installed and permanently fixed to the door frame in advance. This preliminary action ensures that the lock components remain securely in place within the fixed structure when not actively locking, preventing misplacement while maintaining security effectiveness.
3Reliability
If a lock engages the locking structure to prevent actuator movement, then security against unauthorized entry is improved, but the lock must be integrated with the actuator making installation and replacement more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into three independent components: a fixed locking structure attached to the door frame, a movable actuator with handle attached to the door, and a separate lock component. This segmentation allows the lock to be independently installed and replaced without affecting the actuator or locking structure, while still providing effective security engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The separate lock serves as an intermediary component that can be independently installed and removed. It engages with both the fixed locking structure and the movable actuator to provide security, but its separate nature allows for easy installation and replacement without integrating it permanently with the actuator mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A lock assembly has an actuator that is moveable between first and second positions and a locking structure that is coupled to the actuator. The locking structure is positioned to engage a portion of a lock when the actuator is in the first position to prevent movement of the actuator to the second position. A latch assembly is preferably coupled to the actuator and includes a latch that is moveable between engaged and disengaged positions. Moving the actuator from the first position to the second position moves the latch to the engaged position, and moving the actuator from the first position to a third position moves the latch to a disengaged position.