Lock Body With Integrated Emergency Exit Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Emergency exit knobs in motor locks are often maliciously broken, triggering false alarms and accidental use, as they are exposed and lack a separate mechanism for normal operation.
Innovation Solution
A lock body with a bolt, follower, and driver system powered by an electric motor, allowing for both normal and emergency operation without a separate emergency exit knob, featuring a turnable latch plate and backup power source for uninterrupted operation during power outages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate emergency exit knob is installed in motor locks, then emergency exit functionality is provided, but the risk of malicious breaking and false alarms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the emergency exit functionality into the existing handle mechanism by providing a second mating surface on the latch plate that interfaces with the driver. This eliminates the need for a separate emergency exit knob, as the handle can perform both normal operation (via first mating surface) and emergency exit (via second mating surface) functions, thereby removing the vulnerability of exposed emergency knobs to malicious breaking
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is designed with universal functionality to perform both normal locking operations and emergency exit operations. The latch plate includes a first mating surface for normal handle operation and a second mating surface for emergency exit operation, allowing a single component to serve multiple purposes and eliminating the need for separate emergency mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If the emergency exit knob is exposed without protection, then easy access for emergency exit is achieved, but accidental use in normal circumstances occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By merging emergency exit functionality into the protected handle mechanism rather than using an exposed separate knob, the system maintains ease of operation during emergencies while preventing accidental activation. The handle's protected position and integrated design prevent unintended contact while allowing deliberate use when needed
3Extent of automation
If the lock body uses only electric motor control, then normal access control operation is simplified, but operation during power outages becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The driver acts as an intermediary mechanical component that can transmit force from the handle to the follower when the electric motor is unavailable. The driver is selectively coupleable to the follower via the latch plate's second mating surface, providing a mechanical backup pathway that enables operation during power outages while maintaining automated electric control during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between electric motor control and manual driver control based on operational needs. The latch plate can be positioned to engage either the first mating surface for motor control or the second mating surface for manual driver control, providing adaptive operation across different power availability scenarios
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
Eliminates the need for a separate emergency exit knob, reducing false alarms and accidental use, while ensuring continuous access control and compliance with fire door regulations by switching to driver control during power outages.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (9) which is arranged to operate as a power source for changing a locking state of the lock body
Implementation Method 2
a force transmission/control means (11, 12) which is functionally connected with the electric motor (9) and is functionally connectable with the latch plate (8)
Implementation Method 3
The second mating surface (18A) is arrangable to a linking position against the driver (5), making it possible to control the position of the follower with force turning the driver
Data Source
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AI summary
A lock body (1) according to the invention comprising a bolt (3) and a follower (6) that is functionally connectable with the bolt (3) to control the position of the bolt, and a driver (5). The driver is connectable with the follower to convey force turning the driver to the follower. Furthermore, the lock body comprises an electric motor (9) to operate as a power source for changing the locking state of the lock body.